FLASH REPORT!
Good Morning Tom!
The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. Our editors seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile them
in an easy-to-navigate format and provide one-click access to the source. Timely California news and other original content are covered in our premium edition. Workers' Comp Executive, since 1991, has been the Journal
of Record for California's workers' comp community.
Quote of the day:
"If there is a plan in a deficit, they sure as hell don't get to discount the money they don't have."
Office of Self-Insured Plans' Jim Ware on some of the questionable financial practices pursued by self-insured groups
Go to the full story
Self-Insured Regulator: Second Thoughts on Full Disclosure?
With one SIG taken and the potential for more, the questions are transparency, proper regulation and the future. Premium subscribers can get answers right here.
Go to the Full Story...
Private-Sector Presumptions
Police officers and firefighters enjoy many presumptions that a condition is work-related and thus compensable. Now an effort is afoot to grant a broad swath of the private-sector workforce automatic coverage for many
of these same conditions. Click here to see which employers might have less control over their workers' comp programs.
Go to the Full Story...
New Wave of Insolvencies?
A panel of industry experts at the National Conference of Insurance Guarantee Funds said that the pace of insurer insolvencies may be unnaturally low. Is that about to change?
Click here to hear what they said could cause the rate to increase.
Go to the Full Story...
More SCIF Reforms on the Way?
A prominent union for state employees is pushing a tough slate of reforms for California's largest workers' comp carrier. Will policyholders see a benefit or did it give up too much to get the bill through committee?
Premium subscribers can get the full story by clicking here.
Go to the Full Story...
What Happens in California Should Stay in California
Do you have to sue your workers' comp carrier? Have you checked your contract lately? You may be shocked at what you have to do. Assemblyman Dave Jones hopes to set your mind at ease. Get the skinny and the proposed
solution by clicking here.
Go to the Full Story...
Expanding ADR Programs Pushed
One would-be insurance commissioner is pushing a bill to keep cases out of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board system, but many question if the programs are even effective. Who might be the next guinea pig in the
great alternative dispute resolution experiment? Click here for the full story.
Go to the Full Story...
Cooking the Books
A trio of executives is charged with hiding payroll to avoid workers' comp premiums and payroll taxes. How much dough did they allegedly get away with and who was cheated?
Click here for the full story.
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FEHA Case Spells Trouble For Arbitration
A fresh decision by the California Supreme Court is likely to undermine arbitration proceedings in California and make them less efficient and more costly. Good-bye to more California employers. How is the process
changing? Click here for the full story.
Go to the Full Story...
Billing at the Speed of Light
The Division of Workers' Compensation sought input from the workers' comp community on proposed e-billing regulations, and the comments are back. What's the big unresolved problem and can it be fixed?
Click here for the full story.
Go to the Full Story...
Publius: Calls For an Objective Commission
In familiar fashion, the prescient Publius offers ideas and solutions for analyzing California's workers' comp system. This clear content is offered free to all. Just
click here.
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Quarterly Financials
The quarterly financial charts for the major carriers writing business in California's workers' comp market are here. See who was grabbing new business in 2009.
Go to the Full Story...
Rate Filings
New rates for the mid-year renewals are starting to come in. Who's looking to push the market? Click here to see who filed for an 18% increase.
Go to the Full Story...
Good Morning Tom!
The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. Our editors seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile them
in an easy-to-navigate format and provide one-click access to the source. Timely California news and other original content are covered in our premium edition. Workers' Comp Executive, since 1991, has been the Journal
of Record for California's workers' comp community.
Quote of the day:
"We were not there to tar and feather a particular agency, but to find what were the root causes of these fatalities."
Gary Hartman, an adviser to Wyoming Gov. Dave Freudenthal, who headed a worker safety task force effort that has met for the last time
Billings Gazette
Missouri House Rejects Changes to Second Injury Fund
Legislation that would have provided a financial boost to Missouri's Second Injury Fund, which provides payments to workers who are hurt on the job a second time after having returned to work from an earlier injury,
is rejected late Monday by the State House.
KWMU (St. Louis)
Canadian Business
Cowboy State Safety Panel Holds Final Meeting
Wyoming's task force on workplace fatalities disbands after meeting for one last time on Monday, but efforts to address the state's worst-in-the-nation workplace fatality rate will continue in other ways. Billings
Gazette
Go to the Full Story...
Washington's Workers' Comp Supplemental Pension Fund Bailed Out
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries this month announced that one of the funds that comprises workers' comp system required a short-term loan in order to issue required benefits to pensioners. L&I needs
to borrow $15 million from the $3.2 billion pension fund. Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal
Go to the Full Story...
Q&A: Terminating an Employee Who Is Receiving Workers' Comp
Question: What about the ability of employers to terminate workers who are receiving workers' comp? Human Resource Executive
Go to the Full Story...
Monday, April 19, 2010
News Digest
Good Morning Tom!
The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. Our editors seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile them
in an easy-to-navigate format and provide one-click access to the source. Timely California news and other original content are covered in our premium edition. Workers' Comp Executive, since 1991, has been the Journal
of Record for California's workers' comp community.
Quote of the day:
"We've already figured out the [Washington] Legislature is not interested in doing anything when it comes to workers' comp."
Erin Shannon, Building Industry Association of Washington
Tacoma News Tribune
http://www.timesunion.com/AspStories/story.asp?storyID=922176
Judge: New York WCB Wrongly Taxed Some Self-Insurance Groups
The New York Workers' Compensation Board has been unconstitutionally taxing healthy self-insurance groups, a state judge rules, leaving the state's workplace insurance system stuck with a nearly
half-billion-dollar bill for unfunded injury claims traced to businesses accused of fraud. Albany Times Union
Evergreen State Builders' Group Wants Workers' Comp Competition
Unable to win in the state legislature, the Building Industry Association of Washington launches a ballot campaign to bring private insurers into Washington's state-run workers' compensation system for the first time.
On the other side of the issue, the Washington State Labor Council is gearing up for a battle. Tacoma News Tribune
Go to the Full Story...
Workers' Comp: 'Slowly Coming to Their Senses'
The softening of U.S. workers' compensation rates has slowed. Amazingly, for a line that has been heading down for six years, industry opinion is that rates could flatten soon. Reactions [may require
registration]
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Massachusetts: Coakley to Challenge Rate Hike
Massachusetts Attorney General Martha Coakley plans to fight a proposed 4.5 percent increase in workers' compensation premiums by intervening in the administrative rate hearing process. The nonprofit Workers'
Compensation Rating and Inspection Bureau of Massachusetts recently submitted the request, which would go into effect Sept. 1. Risk & Insurance
Go to the Full Story...
Good Morning Tom!
The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. Our editors seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile them
in an easy-to-navigate format and provide one-click access to the source. Timely California news and other original content are covered in our premium edition. Workers' Comp Executive, since 1991, has been the Journal
of Record for California's workers' comp community.
Quote of the day:
"I believe the kind of panic that some people are trying to spread may cause people to make decisions about employment that may prove down the road to not be justified."
James DeMarce, Labor Department's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs
Charleston Gazette
Labor Dept.: W.V. Businesses Overstating Possible Costs of Black Lung Law
Business interests in West Virginia are exaggerating the potential costs of new federal legislation that makes it easier for coal miners or their widows to receive black lung benefits, the director of the U.S. Labor
Department's Office of Workers' Compensation Programs contends.
Charleston Gazette
Charleston Daily Mail
Imperial Sugar Cases Settling
Eighteen cases have been settled for victims of the Feb. 7, 2008, fire and explosion at the Port Wentworth Imperial Sugar Co. refinery, an attorney confirms. Meanwhile, attorneys in pending cases returned to court
last week to argue whether the Georgia Workers' Compensation Act protects Imperial defendants from damages. Savannah Morning News
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Keystone State Workers' Comp Insurer Opens Tennessee Office
Eastern Alliance Insurance Group, a Pennsylvania workers' compensation specialist, opens an office in the Nashville area. A 2008 reform of Tennessee workers' compensation laws will expand the pool of customers for
insurers once the law is allowed to take effect. Nashville Business Journal
Go to the Full Story...
Pinnacol Privatization: Wait 'Til Next Year
Any legislative plans to turn Colorado's state-owned Pinnacol Assurance into a private worker's compensation insurance provider will have to wait until next year. Pinnacol CEO Ken Ross announced last week that he had
learned Pinnacol's proposal of $330 million in exchange for privatization would not be considered by the Colorado General Assembly this session. Colorado Statesman
Go to the Full Story...
Furloughs At DWC To End Immediately
An Alameda Superior Court Judge this morning refused to order a stay of his earlier ruling that called for an end to furlough days for state workers in special fund agencies, such as the Division of
Workers' Compensation, Workers' Compensation Appeals Board, Cal-OSHA and other agencies in the Department of Industrial Relations. The governor's office is appealing that ruling and sought the stay to allow the
furlough program to continue unabated while the appeal played out. That's not going to happen.
A copy of the tentative ruling-- provided by the Service Employees International Union Local 1000, which was a plaintiff in the case-- shows that Judge Frank Roesch is prepared to order an immediate end
to the furloughs because of the on-going harm they are causing state workers. "It is clear to the Court that irreparable harm will occur to the members of Petitioner's organization," the tentative ruling states. "The
court takes judicial notice, on its own motion, that a 15% loss of pay establishes irreparable harm to the employees represented by Petitioner SEIU."
A final order is expected later today.
Roesch, however, is refusing to order the immediate repayment of wages that workers have lost due to the furlough days already taken. Repayment will have to wait until after the appeals are decided.
The ruling is the second in the past week dealing a blow to the governor's furlough plan.
Last Friday, the First District Court of Appeal upheld a San Francisco Judge's ruling exempting employees at the State Compensation Insurance Fund from the governor's furlough order. In affirming the
ruling the First District noted that "defendants' suggestion that the exemption for SCIF employees from 'staff cut backs' prevents layoffs but not a reduction in hours is not sensible. Staff is "cut back" whether
hours are reduced or employees are terminated," the court wrote, noting the application of Insurance Code section 11873(c). That section gave authority to determine staffing needs to SCIF's board, not the governor.
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The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. Our editors seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile
them in an easy-to-navigate format and provide one-click access to the source. Timely California news and other original content are covered in our premium edition. Workers' Comp Executive, since 1991, has been the
Journal of Record for California's workers' comp community.
Quote of the day:
"Ohio's group program is not a model used elsewhere in the United States because we do not have a secret to success. The program is widely known and discussed, but only because it does not
work and creates instability in the overall workers' compensation system."
John Pedrick, Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation's chief actuarial officer
Dayton Daily News
Ohio Workers' Comp Advisers Wanted Recommendation
The director of the embattled Ohio Workers' Compensation Council bucked the position of panel advisers when she declined to make a recommendation on a bill with sweeping consequences for the Ohio Bureau of Workers'
Compensation, according to the Associated Press. Dayton Daily News
Go to the Full Story...
Sheakley Group Closes Deal for Gates McDonald Workers' Comp Unit
A Cincinnati company, Sheakley Group of Cos., completes its acquisition of Gates McDonald & Co.'s workers' compensation business from Columbus-based Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. Columbus Business Journal
Go to the Full Story...
Illinois High Court Reinstates TTD Despite Termination for Misconduct
The Illinois Supreme Court rules that an injured carpenter is entitled to collect temporary total disability benefits after his termination from light-duty work. Risk & Insurance
Go to the Full Story...
Lawyer: Connecticut Teacher's Workers' Comp Claim Disputed
The Winsted, Conn., school district is disputing a workers' compensation claim filed by a middle school teacher who was burned and suffered shock-related injuries during a recent electrical accident, according to the
teacher's attorney. Torrington Register Citizen
Go to the Full Story...
Southern Oregon Seminars Focus on Workers' Comp
In Oregon, seminars presented by the South Coast Employers Council this week will cover workers' compensation and wage and hours laws. World Link
Go to the Full Story...
Australia Workers' Comp Commission Hears Disturbing Testimony from Pilot
In Australia, a Qantas pilot tells a workers' compensation hearing that for three years he struggled to resist an overwhelming urge to switch off his planes' engines, and on one occasion even immobilized his arm to
prevent him trying to crash a jet.
Sydney Morning Herald
Ninemsn
Daily Mail (U.K.)
Maine Workers' Comp Battle Revived
A dispute between Bath Iron Works and the Maine Workers' Compensation Board continues to simmer, as the company files a court motion charging the board chairman with a conflict of interest. In 2006, Bath Iron Works
sued the board, saying it had not followed through with its obligation to set fees, which are important for businesses that self-insure and cannot negotiate with hospitals over fees. MaineBiz
Go to the Full Story...
Good Morning Tom!
May 5th 2009
The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. We seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile them in an
easy-to-navigate format and give you one-click access to the source.
Quote of the day:
"Given the coordinated, effective efforts of public health groups we saw earlier this decade, amid the SARS and avian flu scares, it is likely that the spread of swine flu can be contained
or at least more limited than it would have been in prior years."
Steven Weisbart, senior vice president and chief economist at the Insurance Information Institute
Go to the full story in National Underwriter
Expert: Swine Flu Likely to Chiefly Affect Workers' Comp Lines
The property-casualty insurance sector most likely to see any swine flu claims would be the workers' compensation line, according to insurance expert Steven Weisbart, senior vice president and chief economist at the
Insurance Information Institute, who has studied influenza pandemics reports. Weisbart also says, however, that bringing such comp claims would probably be difficult. National Underwriter
Go to the Full Story...
O.C. Couple Charges in Huge Workers' Comp Fraud
A husband and wife accused of living a lavish lifestyle of high-end cars, vacations, and shopping which was financed by committing more than $38 million in premium insurance fraud are nabbed in the largest-known
workers' compensation insurance fraud case in California's history.
Go to the full story in Dana Point Times
Go to the full story in KMPH-TV (Fresno)
CHP Officer Accused of Molestation Gets Nearly $42K in Workers' Comp
A former lieutenant with the California Highway Patrol accused of molestation has been awarded $41,646.25 in workers' compensation payments since leaving the job after his arrest in February 2006. Orange County
Register [may require registration]
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Feds Signal Shift to Aggressive Enforcement
As Congress entertains legislation to increase penalties on employers for workplace safety violations, the Labor Department is moving ahead with plans to target and prosecute repeat safety offenders. The changes are
important for Nevada, where 12 workers died over an 18-month period until safety conditions began to improve last June. Las Vegas Sun
Go to the Full Story...
Win for Business in Sunshine State
In Florida, trial lawyers lose and businesses win when a divided Senate agrees to a House proposal dealing with workers' compensation rates. HB 903, crafted in response to a 2008 Florida Supreme Court ruling,
maintains the attorney fee caps and ban on hourly rates that have been in place since 2003. St. Petersburg Times
Go to the Full Story...
FLASH REPORT!
FLASH: Couple Busted In $38 Million Premium Fraud Case
The owners of three Orange County roofing companies are under arrest and being held on a combined $20 million in bail. They allegedly masterminded a premium fraud scheme that cheated the State
Compensation Insurance Fund out of an estimated $38 million over an eight year period. The case is the largest premium fraud scam ever uncovered in the state, according to California Department of Insurance officials.
The companies have an X-Mod of 342.
Under arrest are Laguna Hills residents Michael Vincent Petronella and his wife Devon Lynn Kile, a would-be television celebrity. The pair is expected to be arraigned today in Santa Ana on 106 felony
counts. Charges include conspiracy to commit a crime, grand theft, insurance fraud, discouraging a worker from filing a comp claim, filing false tax returns, and misrepresenting facts and making false statements to
their workers' comp carrier.
According to the criminal complaint filed by the Orange County District Attorney's Office, the couple's scheme began in 2000 when they obtained coverage from SCIF for The Re-Roofing Specialists Inc.,
which was doing business at the time as Western Cleanoff, Inc. and Petronella Roofing. But the couple dropped Western Cleanoff in early 2003 claiming it had no payroll. The complaint alleges that no premium was paid
on behalf of Western Cleanoff from the first quarter of 2003 through the 4th quarter of 2008, yet the company reported over $10,000,000 in payroll to the Employment Development Department.
Compline shows the firm as having a 355 X-Mod for 2008, a 275 X-Mod for 2007, and a 242
X-Mod for 2006.
State Fund became suspicious in the fall of 2006, when a claim was made on behalf of an injured employee allegedly working for Petronella but payroll stubs showed Western Cleanoff was the employer. SCIF
then referred the case to the DA and CDI for further investigation. That investigation allegedly found that the couple had reported less than one-tenth of its overall payroll to State Fund during the period, depriving
the insurer of $38 million in premiums and penalties. The investigators also allege the couple filed 42 fraudulent claims to cover uninsured workers who were injured on the job.
Following the two-year investigation, the couple was arrested at their home Wednesday morning. Investigators searched the home and five other locations and recovered more than $500,000 in jewelry,
$51,000 in cash and an application that Kile had filled out to join the television reality show Real Housewives of Orange County.
The full complaint along with a copy of the Compline Riskscreen for this risk is available in by
clicking here.
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Good Morning Tom!
The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. We seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile them in an
easy-to-navigate format and give you one-click access to the source.
Quote of the day:
"I don't have jurisdiction to investigate illegal aliens. It's beyond my authority."
Thomas J. Wersell, Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation director of fraud investigations
Go to the full story in the Columbus Dispatch
New York Workers' Comp Laws Inadequate: Trial Lawyer
Workers' compensation laws in New York are out-of-date and need to be reformed, according to David Perecman, a workers' comp attorney and co-chair of the New York State Trial Lawyers Association's labor law committee.
He says that for some workers who are not employees of the City of New York, the laws for workers' comp and how they affect a person's right to bring a lawsuit against certain parties create different results.
Risk & Insurance
Go to the Full Story...
North Star State's Rating System Scrutinized
After more than a year of prodding, first by a legislator and later by a legislative watchdog, Minnesota insurance regulators are investigating allegations of fraud in the state's largest self-insured workers
compensation fund. Star Tribune (Minneapolis)
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Cornhusker State Senators Advance Workers' Comp Bill
A Nebraska bill advanced this week makes two key changes to the state's workers' compensation benefits by allowing workers and employers settle claims without the approval of a court in some cases. KCSR Radio
Go to the Full Story...
ID-Theft Probe Led to Demotion, Ohio BWC Worker Says
Managers of the Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation stifled an investigation into possible identity theft by illegal immigrants and demoted an investigator who had been pursuing the issue, the investigator alleges in
a discrimination case. Columbus Dispatch
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Sunshine State Tax Activist Wants Audit of County Workers' Comp Fund
Florida tax crusader Linda Hayward is claiming a misuse of the county's workers' compensation fund and is requesting an immediate audit be done by the county. The audit would cover fiscal years 2007 through 2009 and
specifically targets what she calls questionable use of taking money out of the fund to pay for firefighters' equipment and a bloated liability cushion. Tampa Tribune/Hernando Today
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Idaho House Approves Dividend Payout Changes
The Idaho House votes to change how Idaho State Insurance Fund pays dividends to workers' compensation policy holders. The fund had been making payouts only to larger policyholders, and wants to continue the practice.
Fort Mill Times (Ft. Mill, S.C.)
Go to the Full Story...
Good Morning Tom! 3 11 2009
The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. We seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile them in an
easy-to-navigate format and give you one-click access to the source.
Quote of the day:
"This is an area of the Official Medical Fee Schedule that currently provides for at least partial duplication of payment."
Lach Taylor, Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation
Go to the full story in Workers' Comp Executive
SIGs' Insolvency Potential Still Hidden
Self-insured groups are still a conundrum for regulators and the industry alike. A new report may shed light on the issue and provide a few possible solutions. Premium subscribers can read all about the insider stuff
and find out what brokers should know, too, by clicking here.
Go to the Full Story...
Passing Costs Through
A new study highlights concerns about payment issues associated with inpatient hospital services. Is the system being gamed, and if so, by whom and how? Premium subscribers can find out more by clicking here.
Go to the Full Story...
Potential Costly Land Mines in the Bill Mix
As the state's economy sputters and starts, employers (especially counties and taxpayers) still find themselves on the end of some potentially costly workers' comp legislation. Find out who, what, where, and the
implications. Click here if you're a premium subscriber.
Go to the Full Story...
Workers' Comp Legislation: Here We Go Again
Both new and seasoned legislators roll out the red carpet on workers' comp legislation. Get the skinny on what your elected legislators are throwing at you this session. Premium subscribers can read all about it by
clicking here.
Go to the Full Story...
Financial Depression
American International Group may have set the record for disappointing earnings results, but others are having their own share of issues. Find out which writers of California business are having trouble? Premium
subscribers can find out by clicking here.
Go to the Full Story...
Publius Hammers WCAB
After the unanimous WCAB decisions, we have a happy applicant bar, and employers will begin to see rates rise hugely. Workers' comp reform has struck again. Read the reasons and learn what you should be telling
insureds. Click here.
Go to the Full Story...
Early Filers
A handful of carriers have filed updates to their pure premium rates with the California Department of Insurance. So how do the rates compare to last year? See the chart and read the changes. Click here to find out.
Go to the Full Story...
2008 Second Quarter Financials
The California workers' comp market continued to harden through the first half of 2008. Here's how the carriers matched up at the halfway point of the year.
Go to the Full Story...
Good Morning Tom!
The News Digest provides daily, comprehensive access to important events in the world of workers' compensation insurance. We seek out the most interesting and timely stories, compile them in an
easy-to-navigate format and give you one-click access to the source.
Quote of the day:
"I'd be surprised."
Kansas Senate President Steve Morris, about the prospect to produce a workable bill that would raise the state's cap on temporary or permanent disability benefits, in the 2009 session
Go to the full story in Topeka Capital-Journal
Kansas Bill Probably Dead for Now
Kansas bruising battle over adjusting workers' compensation benefits escalated last week in the statehouse, but the bill may be dead in this legislative session. The Senate bill would immediately close the two-decade
inflation gap and require annual adjustments based on fluctuation in the Midwest consumer price index. The $125,000 maximum a person can receive from workers' compensation for a permanent and total disability hasn't
been revised since 1987. Topeka Capital-Journal
Go to the Full Story...
New Director of WSI Appointed; Controversy Ensues
North Dakota Gov. John Hoeven names former North Dakota Highway Patrol superintendent Bryan Klipfel the state's new workers compensation director, a decision North
Dakota's House Republican majority leader calls a mistake. The agency has not had a permanent director since Sandy Blunt was dismissed in December 2007. WDAY-TV (Fargo)
Go to the Full Story...
New York State Insurance Fund Chief Steps Down Amid Controversy
David Wehner, head of the New York State Insurance Fund, resigns amid scrutiny by various state agencies checking into his alleged mismanagement triggered by a newspaper story last month that he allowed an employee to
make $94,000 annually without working. Albany Times Union
Go to the Full Story...
Long Island Municipality Relying on Private Investigators
Islip Town, N.Y., has been using private investigators to check up on employees suspected of abusing workers' comp insurance or committing other fraud, and so far has identified two offenders, town officials say. The
town has since seen a 30% drop in lost work days and anticipates a reduction in case management costs by almost $500,000 a year as a result of the new contract, according to a town supervisor. Newsday
Go to the Full Story...
Tough Times Down Under May Spark Claims: Attorney
In an anxious economic climate, employers face the prospect of increased cases claiming psychological damage and mental illnesses such as depression in their workforces, argues a lawyer. Employers who ignore the
situation may expose themselves to significant legal risks, including breach of anti-discrimination and occupational health and safety laws or breach of contract claims. Smart Company (Australia)
Go to the Full Story...
Study: Kansans Benefits Lag Behind Cost of Living
Workers' compensation payments to injured Kansans lag far behind the increasing cost of living, according to a new study. By Scott Rothschild, Lawrence Journal-World
Go to the Full Story...
Cowboy State 'Conundrum'
Members of a joint legislative committee in Wisconsin seem to be in agreement that many benefits to injured workers ought to be increased, but said they need to better understand the potential cost before making
adjustments. By Dustin Bleizeffer, Jackson Hole Star Tribune
Go to the Full Story...
'Workers' Comp: A People Business'
The concept of workers' compensation as a "people business" seems simple, but too often, it's difficult to execute – especially given our reliance on technology and mass communications. But according to workers' comp
provider Key Risk, the following factors can contribute to more effective workers' comp programs. By Kim Doran, Occupational Hazards
Go to the Full Story...
Changes on the Horizon in North Star State, Says Dep. Commish
The deputy commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry recently tells St. Peter Chamber of Commerce members that "tweaks" might be coming to workers compensation laws. By Ed Lee, St. Peter
Herald
[with photo]
Go to the Full Story...
W.V.: Competition Rights a State-Run 'Disaster'
Competition is among the greatest strengths of a free market economy - and West Virginians are taking full advantage of it in an important way. Workers' compensation insurance, once a state government monopoly, now is
a private-sector responsibility. Wheeling Intelligencer
Go to the Full Story...
Enid, Oklahoma Votes on Workers' Comp
In Oklahoma, Enid Municipal Authority plans to purchase the city's workers' compensation claims and pay itself interest on them. The city manager says the idea came from city financial advisers who suggested they
begin paying the claims themselves and collecting the interest rate. By Robert Barron, Enid News
Go to the Full Story...
N.Y. Legislator Asks Governor to Spare Workers' Comp Center
New York Assemblywoman Barbara Lifton calls on Gov. David Paterson to reconsider his recommendation to close the Ithaca Workers' Compensation Service Center, saying it would inconvenience injured workers, perhaps cause
them pain and likely force them to travel to see an attorney. Ithaca Journal
Go to the Full Story...
Workers' Comp Claim Alleges Hostile Work Environment
Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District General Manager Donald Gomsi was the victim of a hostile work environment at the public agency, according to a workers' compensation claim that alleges injuries to
his "psyche" and internal injuries such as ulcers and heart problems. By Keith Matheny, Desert Sun (Palm Springs)
Go to the Full Story...
Illinois Suit Alleges Retaliation
A Belleville, Ill., woman claims her former employer wrongfully discharged her in retaliation for seeking workers' compensation benefits. The two-count lawsuit seeks in excess of $100,000 in compensatory and punitive
damages for lost income and pain, as well as for the alleged willful and wanton conduct of defendant. By Ann Knef, Madison Record
Go to the Full Story...
Western New York Couple Charged with Defrauding PEOs
A federal indictment charges a Western New York couple that operated an insurance business with marketing, to professional employer organizations, unlawful and invalid workers' compensation policies. North Country
Gazette
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BP Says It Is Adhering to Post-Texas City Safety Mandates
Attorneys for BP argue in a court filing that the oil giant is complying with required safety improvements ordered by Fed-OSHA and state regulators in the aftermath of the deadly 2005 explosion at its Texas City
refinery. Lawyers for blast victims say the company is blowing off requirements to improve safety at the plant. By Kristen Hays, Houston Chronicle
Go to the Full Story...
Eleven New York Workers' Comp Trusts to Dissolve
Trustees for 11 group workers' compensation self-insurance trusts administered by First Cardinal LLC. conclude that, following recent New York legislative changes, it would be prudent to dissolve. By Roberto
Ceniceros, Business Insurance
Go to the Full Story...
Supreme Court Rebuffs California State Fund
The Supreme Court yesterday declined to review an Appellate Court ruling which holds that State Compensation Insurance Fund has to be fair to California business. Why a quasi governmental entity needs to be told by
multiple courts multiple times to be fair is either the subject of anyone's supposition or yet another weight on the scale of justice that speaks to what can only be the continuing culture of corruption that is
California's State Fund.
In a closely watched case challenging the notion that State Fund - because of its sheer size - has an obligation to be procedurally fair and reasonable in deciding who is in and who is out of its provider networks,
the California Supreme Court yesterday, like the Appellate Court before it, came down clearly on the side of fairness.
The Same People Doing the Same Things
The case is a carry over from the heyday of when now deposed ex-president Jim Tudor was running things. Notably, SCIF lawyer Charles Savage has been the steward of this case. Savage was Tudor's handpicked vice
president and general counsel. As part of the Tudor purge Savage was stripped of both titles and sent back down to his former civil service position. Savage physically shows up at many of these old cases and appears
to be directing State Fund's expensive outside counsel on the cases.
State Fund Board Chair Jeannie Cain, who additionally is executive vice president, policy, for the California Chamber of Commerce, works as well with State Fund's expensive outside legal and public relations counsel.
The California Chamber filed an Amicus brief in the case. Board Chair Cain is responsible for appointing Tudor as both interim and permanent president. It is she who was in control and serving as chair during
all of the controversial board meetings in which conflicts occurred about which Workers' Comp Executive wrote resulting in the removal of three board members.
The Case Itself
The case, Palm Medical v. State Compensation Insurance Fund, started when the clinic tried in 1998 to gain entry to the Fresno area preferred provider network operated by State Fund but was repeatedly
rebuffed. A jury found in 2005 that State Fund's reasons and methodology for excluding Palm were arbitrary and unreasonable and sided with the clinic. It awarded Palm $1.3 million. Interestingly enough, sources tell
Workers Comp Executive, had State Fund acted reasonably and not as some say like a bully it likely would have been able to exclude Palm from its network and avoid the whole legal precedent.
In a rare move, State Fund's outside counsel surprised everyone when it was able to convince the trial judge to overturn the jury's findings. That decision predictably did not stand on appeal.
"I've argued throughout that this is not a hard standard to achieve. We're not setting the bar too high by asking businesses to make their decisions in a procedurally fair and rational manner," said a joyous Drew
Pomerance of Roxborough, Pomerance & Nye. "If someone has a problem with that then I think their values are all messed up. In this case that's State Fund as they're the ones who don't want to be fair or rational."
But State Fund still stands by its position that the decision does more to cloud the air than to clear it around the issue of PPNs.
"We believe the decision not to review the Palm Medical case has the potential to create a significantly difficult climate for businesses [insurance carriers] in California who operate preferred provider networks as
evidenced by the number of amicus briefs that were filed [by insurance carriers] in support of our position," says Jennifer Vargen, who is not a lawyer, but is the internal public relations person for State Fund.
"This leaves California businesses [carriers] to deal with the difficult situation of understanding exactly what the rules are around PPNs."
But the broad applicability of the case is somewhat in question. The court of appeal went out of its way to note that it was limiting its discussion only to PPNs. PPNs have largely been replaced by medical provider
networks or MPNs. Such is the case at State Fund, which replaced the contested PPN with a medical provider network that includes Palm Medical.
None of State Fund's 200+ actual lawyers were available to speak to Workers' Comp Executive. Many it seems were attending a fancy retirement party for lawyer Robert Danari.
According to the Division of Workers' Compensation 60% of all care for injured workers is now being delivered through the 1300 MPNs now in operation. Common industry wisdom holds that most if not all PPNs have been
replaced with MPNs.
"This leaves California businesses [carriers] to deal with the difficult situation of understanding exactly what the rules are around PPNs." Jennifer Vargan, SCIF Internal PR Person
Doctrine of Fair Procedure
The case hinged in substantial part on the question of market power and the applicability of the doctrine of fair procedure. That common law doctrine provides that when a private business has substantial economic
power and the use of that power can affect another's ability to earn a living—then the decision-making must be both substantially rational and procedurally fair. In the present case, Palm argued the doctrine applied
because of State Fund's gigantic market share in the Fresno area. The jury agreed and ultimately so did the Supreme Court.
"I'm relieved and gratified that it turned out the way that it did. It would have been unfortunate if big money would have been able to take something that is logical and say it's not legal," says Dr. Frank Huljev,
administrator and principal of Palm Medical. "In other words for them to say that they don't have to be fair and rational in how they do things."
"It would have been unfortunate if big money would have been able to take something that is logical and say it's not legal." Dr. Frank Huljev, administrator for Palm Medical Group
Pomerance is confident that a similar argument could hold sway in the MPN arena if certain conditions are met. "For those medical provider networks that wield substantial economic power, I think a provider could make
the argument that 'you have to treat me and make your decisions in a rationale way and in a way that's procedurally fair."
In any case, Palm Medical now stands to collect on the $1.3 million it was awarded by the jury way back when. Pomerance notes the award is now up to $1,476,633 and continues to accrue interest at a rate of $310 per
day.
State Fund policyholders are out nearly one and half million dollars plus hundreds of thousands in legal fees to outside counsel all because it's the same old people doing the same old things. This case alone cost
approximately $10 per policyholder in premium.
Cowboy State Lawmakers Hear Testimony on Workers' Comp
At a hearing of the state's Joint Labor, Health and Social Services Interim Committee, Wyoming lawmakers scrutinize whether workers' compensation benefits are fair with respect to the program's solvency in the future.
By Dustin Bleizeffer, Casper Star-Tribune
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Commentary: Presumptive Legislation a Cause for Alarm
Well-intended state laws that seek to ensure that workers' compensation programs cover firefighters for, in some cases, numerous medical conditions that could be contracted as a result of their work, without having to
provide convincing evidence that they are eligible for the benefits are misguided. Business Insurance
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In Wake of Latest Tragedy, New York to Hire 20 Safety Engineers
In response to last week's crane tragedy in New York City—the second such deadly incident since March—the city temporarily suspends all crane construction and plans to spend about $4 million on 20 new safety engineers
to monitor hundreds of construction sites. But New York Gov. David A. Paterson promises a state investigation of the recent spate of deadly
construction incidents in the booming city, sparking an angry response by Mayor Michael Bloomberg. By Henry Goldman, Bloomberg
Go to the Full Story...
Commentary: County's Tobacco-Free Hiring Policy the Right Call
Facing reduced productivity and higher insurance costs from people who smoke, many employers are deciding not to hire tobacco users. A county administrator argues that Florida's Sarasota County, which also must
contain these costs, has adopted a tobacco-free hiring policy that will promote a healthier work force and maintain responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars. Herald Tribune
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Aussie Study Links Job Stress, Depression
Work demands are to blame for more than 21,000 annual cases of depression in the Australian state of Victoria, according to a new Melbourne University study that found 17% of working women and 13% of working men
suffering depression could attribute their condition to job stress, defined as a combination of high job demands and little control over how the job gets done. By Orietta Guerrera, the Age
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'Massive Financial Discrepancy' in PNG's Workers Comp System
Papua New Guinea's leading weekly newspaper reveals that tens of thousands of dollars from the Office of Workers' Compensation are believed to have been stolen by or misappropriated by staff over a 10-year period. The
departmental investigation has uncovered an "organized seven member gang" of senior and middle management staff being responsible for "pushing" bogus payment claims. By Tereni Kens, Pacific Magazine
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Granite State Agencies Crack Down on Misclassifications
Four New Hampshire agencies are collaborating to target companies that illegally misclassify workers as independent contractors to avoid paying workers' compensation insurance and unemployment taxes. By AP via
Concord Monitor
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Spokane Hospital Pilot Program Touts Success in Driving Down Costs
Occupational health officials at the Center of Occupational Health & Education, a pilot project funded by the Washington state Department of Labor and Industries, at St. Luke's Rehabilitation Institute in Spokane, say
a recent study shows its efforts have resulted in fewer rejected, reopened and protested workers' compensation claims, less frequent use of attorneys by participants, and a lower pension rate for time-loss benefits
than their non-COHE counterparts, since it began operations five years ago. By Emily Proffitt, Journal of Business (Spokane) [with photo]
Go to the Full Story...
OKC Nurse's Predicament Illustrates Effect of Limitation Ruling
An Oklahoma Supreme Court's recent ruling that effectively reinstituted an eight-week limit on workers' compensation benefits for soft tissue injuries is troubling news for, among others, an Oklahoma City-area nurse
who will receive no more benefits after the month of June. Julie Jones' situation is so dire that her attorney considers her layoff the good news. By Janice Francis-Smith, Journal Record (Oklahoma City)
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Rules for Crane Operators Nearly Four Decades Old
In the wake of three fatal crane accidents in recent weeks, including a collapse in New York late last week that killed two construction workers and seriously injured another, it's worth noting that Fed-OSHA existing
rules for workers who operate cranes have not been updated since 1971. By Dan Caterinicchia, AP via Forbes
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Mizzou Wellness Program Wins Heart Association Award
The University of Missouri's wellness program for faculty and staff began as a pilot in 2004 and expanded to the four system campuses in October 2007. As a result of programs like smoking cessation, stress management,
healthy eating and exercise, the program wins an award from the American Heart Association. By Michael Sewall, Columbia Missourian
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Mass. Mayor Won't Let City Underwrite School's Workers' Comp
The Westfield, Mass. school department's attempt to have the city underwrite its workers' compensation and other expenses next year is unacceptable, according to the mayor, who wants the department to find another
$300,000 to cut from the proposed fiscal 2009 budget. By Ted LaBorde, Springfield Republican
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Montana State Fund Announces Modest Rate Cut
The board of the Montana State Fund has announced that workers' compensation insurance rates will be reduced next year by an average of 3 percent, making the second straight year the agency has announced modest cuts.
Go to the full story by AP via KULR-TV (Billings)
Go to the full story by AP via KXMC-TV (Minot, N.D.)
Go to the full story by AP via Houston Chronicle
'More Drama' for Ohio BWC
An employee of the scandal-ridden Ohio Bureau of Workers' Compensation is accused of using state time and equipment to coordinate auditions and other work for a local theater group. By Jim Otte, WHIO-TV
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New York State Worker Nabbed for Suspected Workers' Comp Fraud
A 51-year-old New York Office of Children and Family Services employee, who claimed he was injured in a purported elevator accident and was too disabled to work his day job a Brooklyn residential center, is charged
with allegedly continuing to pick up benefits while working a second full-time job at a postal processing and delivery facility.
Go to the full story in the North Country Gazette
Go to the full story in the Empire State News
Empire State Honors Attorney for Reform Efforts
A Rochester, N.Y. attorney is one of five recipients of the annual Clara Lemlich Public Service Award for his efforts in workers' compensation reform and improved occupational safety in the state. Rochester
Democrat and Chronicle
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Former Steelworkers Head to Ontario Clinic for Help
Frustrated by a claim denial by the Workers' Compensation Board of British Columbia based on his having been a smoker 22 years ago, a 76-year-old retired steelworker flies to a Sault Ste. Marie, Ont. occupational
health clinic that focuses on employee exposures to toxic chemicals and substances. He is among more than 150 current and former employees, or surviving relatives of deceased steelworkers, who registered for a two-day
occupational disease intake clinic. By Dan Bellerose, Sault Star (Sault Ste. Marie, Ont.)
Go to the Full Story...
New Online Tool Part of D.C. Agency's 'Green' Efforts
The D.C. Department of Employment Services launches a new online tool intended to make it easier to find the status of workers' compensation decisions. The database is part of an effort to reduce paper consumption.
Washington Post [first item] [may require registration]
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In Canada, Special Week Offers Sobering Reminder
North American Occupational Safety and Health Week serves as a reminder that Canada is among the most dangerous industrialized countries in which to work, according to recent UN International Labour Organization data.
It used to be possible for a company to have a fatality and still receive a rebate on workers' compensation fees paid to the Workplace Safety Insurance Board; however, Ontario recently changed the rules. By David
Hamiton, Financial Post
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AmerisourceBergen Says It Won't Sell of PMSI
AmerisourceBergen Corp. decides to end its effort to sell PMSI, which provides mail order and online pharmacy services to chronically and catastrophically ill patients under workers' compensation programs, in addition
to pharmaceutical claims administration services for payors and a fully integrated Medicare set-aside program. PMSI had been on the block since January, but final bids did not reflect its fair value, according to
AmerisourceBergen. Philadelphia Business Journal
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Hit by Drunk Driver, Central Valley Woman Faces Workers' Comp 'Nightmare'
Jennifer Smith, a 24-year-old Manteca receptionist says she will have to live the rest of her life with pain, degenerative joint disease and other ailments that are the result of a 2003 job-related collision with a drunk
driver. But she also faces a battle with the state's workers' compensation system. "They are treating her like a criminal, but she's a victim, and that needs to change," says her husband. By Joe Goldeen, Stockton
Record [with photo]
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Commentary: Patronage at Root of Philly Parking Agency's Fraud
Amid revelations that Philadelphia Parking Authority employees file workers' comp claims twice as often as city firefighters and police officers, it's clear that the authority needs to more aggressively target fraud.
But the bigger problem—the authority's patronage-swollen structure, which results in the hiring of politically connected workers who don't really care about their job performance—will be harder to change.
Philadelphia Inquirer
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North Dakota AG: WSI Violated Open Records Law
Workforce Safety and Insurance violated North Dakota's open records law by refusing to disclose certain documents to a critic of the agency. However, the workers' comp agency properly declined to provide copies of
building security videos and a separate list of records to the Bismarck attorney, concludes the state's attorney general. By Dale Wetzel, Fargo Forum [may require registration]
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Oklahoma High Court Remands Workers' Comp Case
The Oklahoma Supreme Court remands a case in which a man failed to file a claim for benefits from the Multiple Injury Trust Fund for more than 12 years after his injury. Though he appeared to have exceeded the
five-year statute of limitations, the state high court found that the workers' comp court failed to include key information. By Janice Francis-Smith, Journal Record (Oklahoma City)
Go to the Full Story...
PEI Opposition Blasts Liberal Appointments to WCB
In Prince Edward Island, Opposition party members want the government to publicly account for its selection process after allegations of patronage regarding several recent political appointments. All six new
appointees to the Workers Compensation Appeals Tribunal have ties to the Liberal party. By Teresa Wright, Guardian (Charlottetown)
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Buckeye State City Not Enforcing Registration Law, Says Contactor
In Mansfield, Ohio, a contractor, who was part of a group that last year lobbied the city council for a registration system to protect legitimate contractors from scofflaws, contends that the city has not enforced an
ordinance requiring contractors to register with the city. By Linda Martz, Mansfield News Journal
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'Well Notes' Eyed for Mental Health Absences
In Britain, many employers regard general practitioners as an obstacle when dealing with workers' long-term sickness absences. The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development is arguing that the new "well note"
plan, and a phased return to work, particularly in cases of mental ill-health, could cut the costs of long-term illness to business significantly. By Mary Braid, Times Online (U.K.)
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Study: One-Third of U.K. Nurses Attacked at Work
Nearly one in three British nurses suffers frequent violent attacks at work, according to a new survey of nearly 40,000 nurses. The research suggests that violence has had wide-reaching effects, including problems
with recruitment and nurses leaving the profession, increased amounts of sick leave and "burnout." By David Rose, Times Online
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Patronage-Rich Philly Parking Authority Racks Up Comp Charges
Surprisingly, Philadelphia parking enforcement workers have been injured on the job more than twice as often as city firefighters or police officers over the past four years. One parking enforcement worker filed four
separate workers' comp incident reports for spider bites, recalls the authority's risk management director. By Patrick Kerkstra, Philadelphia Inquirer
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Is There a Kezar Connection to S.F. Parks Workers' Cancers?
The recent deaths of two San Francisco Recreation and Park Department employees and the cancer diagnosis of a third, all of whom worked or spent a significant amount of time in an office building adjacent to Kezar
Pavilion, is causing alarm. But a NIOSH expert consulted by the City finds no relation to workplace exposures, despite the crumbling walls. By Brian Hoffman, San Francisco Chronicle
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OSU Scores with Novel Return-to-Work Approach
With its workers' compensation costs nearing $10 million a year, Ohio State University started moving its injured and ailing workers to less-demanding jobs instead of leaving them at home while they recover. At the
end of its first year, the program saved the school $4 million, more than double what the college had expected. Columbus Dispatch
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Connecticut Public Safety Workers Want Expanded Coverage
In Connecticut, police, firefighters and emergency rescue workers are again seeking workers' compensation coverage for certain cancers and diseases.
The union-backed legislation returns after having stalled in the state House of Representatives in the final days of the 2007 session. By Paul Hughes, Waterbury Republican-American
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Minneapolis Cop's Case May Trigger Law Change
A Minneapolis police officer who was injured during a training exercise is only collecting partial workers' compensation after an injury left him permanently disabled. But state and federal lawmakers are trying to
change the law that affects him and other disabled government workers. KMSP-TV (Eden Prairie, Minn.)
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Aussie State Weighs Benefit Payout Options
The WorkCover Tasmania Board commissions researchers at the University of Tasmania to investigate whether lump sums or regular payments of workers' compensation benefits make more sense. ABC Tasmania
Go to the Full Story...
Florida Restaurant Reopens After Sweep for Illegal Workers
Patrons once again graze the buffet at a northwest Florida eatery that was shut down for nearly a week in connection with an investigation into the employment of illegal workers. The state Bureau of Compliance in the
Division of Workers' Compensation issued a stop-work order while it investigated allegations that employees were not properly covered. By Brian Hughes, Northwest Florida Daily News
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Commentary: Restore Executive Branch Control of WSI
Partisan games in the state legislature and within WSI are the reason new leadership is needed in the insurance commissioner's office. The first thing that must be done is to restore executive branch control of WSI.
By Jasper Schneider via Jamestown Sun
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How Federal Employees Face Disability
The senior benefits director for the National Institute of Transition Planning Inc., which conducts federal retirement planning workshops and seminars, provides a handful of examples of when employees need to use
federal benefits to cover situations where their ability to work is impaired by illness or injury. By Tammy Flanagan, GovExec.com
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Manitoba WCB Wants Comments on Addition of Industries
The Board of Directors of the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba is seeking public comments on the addition of industries to the workers' compensation program. EcoLog.com
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Meadowbrook to Acquire Ohio-Based ProCentury
Westerville, Ohio-based special property and casualty insurer ProCentury Corp. agrees to be acquired by a Michigan specialty insurance firm for $272.6 million in cash and stock. Business First of Columbus
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Report Finds Possible Bias of Florida Workers' Comp Judge
A recent report by the chief of Florida's Division of Administrative Hearings finds that the actions of a Duval County workers' comp judge create the appearance of prejudice against workers. The report includes
information from four Jacksonville workers' comp lawyers who took the unusual step of filing formal complaints against the judge, citing a phenomenon in which court mediators tell workers that settlement is the only
viable option for them because they have no chance in the judge's court. By Paul Pinkham, Florida Times-Union (Jacksonville) [with photo]
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Connecticut Worker Nabbed for Suspected Fraud
A 39-year-old Naugatuck, Conn., man may face as many as 20 years in prison after being charged with felony workers' compensation fraud. He reportedly was observed conducting daily activities that were inconsistent
with his claimed disability. WTNH-TV (New Haven)
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WSI Board Suggests Raise for Interim Director
The performance evaluation committee of the Workforce Safety and Insurance board suggests that the interim director of North Dakota's workers compensation agency should get a 3.4 percent pay raise when he returns to
his former job.
Go to the full story by AP via KXNet.com (Minot) [with photo]
Go to the full story by AP via Dickinson Press
Iowan Pleads Guilty to Insurance Fraud
A 24-year-old Iowa woman accused of racking up at least $22,000 in charges on another person's credit card and using false doctors' documents tells a judge that she created doctors' notes to file a workers'
compensation claim and made purchases and deposits into her bank account with another woman's credit card and credit card checks. By AP via Des Moines Register
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A Look at Workers' Comp Insurance and the Construction Industry
In the construction industry, being the low bidder is commonly the difference between working or going home. To win bids, money has to be saved anywhere it can be, including one of the biggest costs for many
businesses, especially small ones: workers' compensation insurance. Sentinel Source (New Hampshire)
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'Well Note' Plan Garners Mixed Reaction
The U.K. health secretary's plan to replace sick notes with so-called "well notes," which lists tasks that sick or injured employees may be able to perform, meets a hostile reaction from occupational health
professionals, general practitioners and at least one prominent
physician. Personnel Today (U.K.)
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State Fund on Hot Seat Again This Week
The California Senate Banking & Finance Committee will begin its second round of discussions tomorrow regarding State Fund. If all goes as planned, a reform bill will follow in the California Assembly. By D. Ashley
Verrill, North Bay Business Journal
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Business Owners Advised to 'Get Their House in Order'
California small business owners have enjoyed a steady decline in workers' compensation insurance rates that are now the lowest in nine years. But that may be about to change, meaning it's a good time for businesses
to renew their focus on safety. By Jan Norman, Orange County Register [with photo] [may require registration]
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Palmetto Dispute Goes to Court This Month
A restraining order blocking the South Carolina Workers' Compensation Commission from following a 2007 executive order issued by Gov. Mark Sanford expires late next week. Sanford told commissioners to begin
using uniform medical standards in determining payouts for long-term disabilities, and that has led to a federal lawsuit challenging the order on constitutional grounds.
Go to the full story by AP via GoUpstate.com (Spartanburg, S.C.) [with photo]
Go to the full story by Sammy Fretwell, Myrtle Beach Sun
Story Illuminates Minimal Care for Retirees
Some workers find, after retirement, that workers' comp benefits can be reduced while their need continues. Here is the story of one New York man whose personal physician is being overruled by workers comp officials,
despite calling their decision on chiropractic adjustments "insane." WSYR-TV (Syracuse)
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Feds Indict New York Insurer and Developer
A New York insurance company owner and a developer face federal charges of insurance and mail fraud for allegedly marketing unlawful and invalid workers' compensation insurance policies to professional employer
organizations. By Rocco LaDuca Utica Observer-Dispatch
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Former WSI Boss May Seek Repayment of Legal Fees
Sandy Blunt, former director of North Dakota's Workforce Safety and Insurance agency, says he may go to court to force the state to pay legal fees he spent defending himself against three felony charges that
ultimately were dropped. Blunt, who was forced out late last year, has filed a claim with the state's risk management division. By Dale Wetzel, AP via Dickinson Press
Go to the Full Story..
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2004 to 2006 Work Comp News
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