We record reserves for estimated losses under insurance policies that we write and for loss adjustment expenses related to the investigation and settlement of policy claims. Our reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses represent the estimated cost of all reported and unreported loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred and unpaid as of a given point in time. The reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are estimated using individual case-basis valuations, statistical analyses and estimates based upon experience for unreported claims and their associated loss and loss adjustment expenses. Such estimates may be more or less than the amounts ultimately paid when the claims are settled. The estimates are subject to the effects of trends in loss severity and frequency. Although considerable variability is inherent in these estimates, management believes that the reserves for loss and loss adjustment expenses are adequate. The estimates are continually reviewed internally and periodically evaluated with our independent actuary. Adjustments are made as experience develops and new information becomes known. Any such adjustments are included in income from current operations. See Note 9 to our consolidated financial statements included in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023 for additional information regarding the Company’s loss and loss adjustment expense development.

The following table provides the Company’s liability for unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses, net of related amounts recoverable from reinsurers, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023:


	Nine Months Ended September 30,
	2024			2023
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	673,994		$	696,037
Less amounts recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses		119,746			112,555
Net balance, beginning of period		554,248			583,482
Add incurred related to:
Current accident year		144,931			143,003
Prior accident years		(25,166	)		(31,195	)
Total incurred		119,765			111,808
Less paid related to:
Current accident year		29,872			28,074
Prior accident years		102,082			104,602
Total paid		131,954			132,676
Net balance, end of period		542,059			562,614
Add amounts recoverable from reinsurers on unpaid loss and loss adjustment expenses		121,427			121,734
Balance, end of period	$	663,486		$	684,348

The foregoing reconciliation reflects favorable development of the net reserves at September 30, 2024 and September 30, 2023. The favorable development reduced loss and loss adjustment expenses incurred by $25.2 million and $31.2 million in 2024 and 2023, respectively. The revisions to the Company’s reserves reflect new information gained by claims adjusters in the normal course of adjusting claims and is reflected in the financial statements when the information becomes available. It is typical for more serious claims to take several years or longer to settle and the Company continually revises estimates as more information about claimants’ medical conditions and potential disability becomes known and the claims get closer to being settled. Multiple factors can cause loss development both unfavorable and favorable. The favorable loss development we experienced across accident years was largely due to two factors: (1) lower than expected severity of injuries in these accident years compared to our original and revised estimates; and (2) favorable case reserve development from closed claims and claims where the worker had reached maximum medical improvement. We believe the favorable case reserve development resulted primarily from an intensive claims management focus with the Company actively seeking to settle claims, leading to favorable development.

The table below presents the change in the allowance for credit losses on amounts recoverable from reinsurers for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2024 and 2023.


	Three Months Ended				Nine Months Ended
	September 30,				September 30,
	2024		2023		2024			2023
	(in thousands)
Balance, beginning of period	$	322	$	338	$	360		$	372
Provision for credit loss expense (benefit)		8		5		(30	)		(29	)
Balance, end of period	$	330	$	343	$	330		$	343