Blog - Lastest News from Work Comp Staffing Solutions
Bill Would Prohibit Use of Some Cumulative Trauma Claims for Ratemaking
Illinois lawmakers are considering a bill that would limit how cumulative trauma claims would affect insurance rates and includes language that holds previous employers liable. Introduced Friday, SB 1305 states that…
Court Overturns Verdict for Worker, Finding Defendant Immune as Statutory Employer
The Pennsylvania Superior Court relieved a general contractor of liability for a $5,590,650.69 jury verdict in favor of an injured worker, finding the contractor was the worker’s statutory employer. Case: Yoder…
Worker Ejected From Power Buggy Gets Summary Judgment on Labor Law Claim
A New York appellate court upheld a grant of summary judgment on a worker’s Labor Law claim for his injuries from being ejected from a power buggy. Case: Pacheco v. Trustees…
DIR: COVID-19 Non-Emergency Rules Take Effect
The California Department of Industrial Relations announced that permanent rules requiring employers to protect workers from COVID-19 went into effect last week. The COVID-19 Prevention Non-Emergency Regulations that took effect Friday…
Supreme Court Overturns Denial of Benefits for Worker With Back Injury
The West Virginia Supreme Court overturned a denial of benefits to a worker with preexisting back issues for his claimed back injury. Case: Butcher v. Parker Drilling Co., No. 21-0504, 01/23/2023,…
Court Overturns Denial of Worker’s Request for Change of Physician
A Florida appellate court overturned a denial of authorization for a worker’s physician of choice following an insurance carrier’s failure to respond to his request for a change in treating…
Lawmakers Reintroduce Bill to Expand Provider Options for Federal Workers
Members of the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate reintroduced legislation that would expand health care provider options for injured federal workers. Sens. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, and Susan Collins, R-Maine, on…
WCD Posts Updated Instructions to Determine Gainful Employment
The Oregon Workers’ Compensation Division announced a 7.9% increase in the threshold used to determine gainful employment and eligibility for permanent total disability benefits. The federal poverty guidelines for a family of…
Study: Medical Marijuana Pain Patients Reduce Opioid Dependence
Chronic pain patients in New York were able to cut down on their use of prescription opioids when switching to medical marijuana, according to a study by the American Medical…
WCIRB Webinar to Profile Health Care Industry
The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau is hosting a webinar March 1 that will profile California’s health care industry. Dave Bellusci The webinar will provide insights into the dynamics of one…
Deadline to Request COLA Reimbursement Approaches
The Nevada Workers’ Compensation Section said the deadline to file requests for reimbursement of cost-of-living adjustment payments made in calendar year 2022 is March 31. State lawmakers in 2019 revised rules…
Fee Review Hearing Office Lacks Authority to Order Reimbursement of Overpayments
The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled that the Bureau of Workers’ Compensation Fee Review Hearing Office does not have the statutory authority to order reimbursement for overpayment of medical services. Case: Philadelphia…