Missing Work: A Costly Problem
The Bureau of Labor Statistics notes:
· 3 out of 4 Vets are employed in solo or group practice
· Mean hourly wage in U.S. = $40.43
Self-employed veterinarians are often not covered by workers' compensation insurance.
· No reimbursement for lost wages
· Occupational injuries are often excluded from reimbursement
· Solo practices suffer from lost patient time (nobody to cover)
Injuries = Expensive
· Typical worker compensation claim for a vet back injury: $22,000 (AVMA, 2008)
· AVMA group life & health insurance program paid out $4 million to injured members in 2006
