Worker Comp claims fall for first time Dec. 23, 2020 at 6:00 am Worker compensation claims in the City of Santa Monica fell for the first time in history this fiscal year. The value of all open claims (known as total program liabilities) fell by 5 percent this year while the number of new claims (claim frequency) fell by 14 percent. The total program expenses fell by three percent. The program covers medical and indemnity payments, claim settlements approved by staff and general claim and cost trends as required by law. Staff said the cost reductions were likely a mix of systemic savings generated by cost control efforts and temporary reductions due to COVID-induced cuts to city operations.