A study by the Massachusetts-based Workers Compensation Research Institute provides ammunition to critics of Missouri’s workers’ comp system. The report finds a number of flaws with the Missouri system, including one of the country’s highest levels of attorney involvement in claims. Kelly Gillespie with the Missouri Chamberof Commerce says changes will be needed to diminish the influence of trial attorneys in the workers’ compensation process. But Renee Slusher, Director of the State Division of Workers’ Compensation, says trial attorneys are brought into the picture because Missouri is accused of dragging its heels in getting benefits to claimants. She adds the high involvement of attorneys in workers’ compensation cases is really only evident in the St. Louis area. Be that as it may, the study finds Missouri’s high level of lawyer involvement costs both employers and employees. Employers must pay higher fees, while employees’ raises and benefits are going to trial attorneys.