Blog - Lastest News from Work Comp Staffing Solutions
Discount Rate Drops for Second Quarter
The Texas Division of Workers' Compensation slightly reduced the discount interest rate that will be used to calculate the present-day value of lump-sum settlements during the second fiscal quarter. The discount…
Worker Struck By Falling Plexiglass Panels Gets Summary Judgment on Labor Law Claim
A New York appellate court ruled that a worker was entitled to partial summary judgment on his Labor Law claims from being struck by falling plexiglass panels. Case: Lucas v. City…
Court Upholds Death Benefits for Firefighter’s Widow
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania upheld an award of death benefits to the widow of a cancer-stricken firefighter. Case: City of Philadelphia v. Thompson (WCAB), No. 923 C.D. 2021, 03/19/2025, unpublished. Facts:…
Legislature Passes Bill to End Benefits at MMI
The Montana Legislature passed a bill that would allow terminating temporary total disability benefits under certain conditions when an injured worker is released to full duty. At the same time, the…
House Passes Bill to Allow Nurse Practitioners to Diagnose PTSD
The West Virginia House of Delegates passed a bill that would allow nurse practitioners to diagnose post-traumatic stress disorder. Although non-physical injuries are generally not compensable in West Virginia, legislation enacted…
Supreme Court Upholds TTD Award for Lineman After Failed Attempt to Return to Work
The West Virginia Supreme Court upheld an award of benefits to a lineman after he unsuccessfully attempted to return to duty after suffering an electric shock injury. Case: Quanta Services Inc.
Court Overturns Reinstatement of Worker’s TD Status, Orders Additional Proceedings
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania vacated a decision of the Workers’ Compensation Appeal Board that reinstated a worker’s total disability status, finding additional proceedings were necessary for a judge to determine…
Cal/OSHA Cites Construction Company $157,500 for Fatal Trench Accident
The California Division of Occupational Safety and Health fined a construction company $157,500 after a fatal trench collapse. Joel Olea Gomez, 27, was killed on Aug. 28, 2024, when a portion…
Court Revives General Contractor’s Indemnification Claim Against Sub
A New York appellate court revived a general contractor’s claim against a subcontractor for indemnification from liability to an allegedly injured worker. Case: Freas v. John W. Danforth Co., No. 134…
Circuits Split on Whether Enhanced PPD Award Can Count in Determining Fund Liability
The Missouri Court of Appeals now has a split among its districts, with the Southern District ruling that a prior enhanced permanent partial disability award cannot be used to add…
High Court Rules Judges Can Award TD After Maximum Medical Improvement
The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that an administrative law judge has the discretion to award ongoing temporary disability benefits to a worker who has reached maximum medical improvement in lieu…
Worker Not Entitled to Additional TTD, Treatment for Back Injury
The Nebraska Court of Appeals upheld a determination that a worker was entitled to a closed period of temporary total disability benefits for a back injury. Case: Welchert v. Abe’s Trash…