Blog - Lastest News from Work Comp Staffing Solutions
Federal Court Upholds Award of Black Lung Benefits to Miner With COPD
The U.S. 10th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld an award under the Black Lung Benefits Act to a longtime coal mine worker with chronic lung disease. Case: Energy West Mining Co.
High Court Upholds Award to Worker Injured After Using Cocaine, Drinking at ‘Frat House’ Job Site
The Alaska Supreme Court unanimously upheld an award of benefits to a worker for his injuries from a fall despite his admission of using cocaine and drinking on the job and…
DWC Closing Accounts of Inactive E-filers
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation announced that it will shut down e-filer accounts that have been inactive for six months or longer at the end of the month as part…
CSLB to Require Proof of Comp Coverage for Additional License Classifications
The California Contractors State License Board announced that proof of workers’ compensation coverage will be required for four license classifications, starting Jan. 1. Gov. Gavin Newsom on Sept. 30 enacted SB…
DOL Proposes Economic Realities Test for Employee Status
The U.S. Department of Labor announced plans to propose an economic realities test on Thursday to determine whether a worker is an employee or an independent contractor under the Fair…
Appellate Court Overturns Denial of Garbage Truck Driver’s Claim for Repetitive Trauma Injuries
The Illinois Appellate Court overturned a denial of a garbage truck driver’s claim for benefits from repetitive trauma injuries. Case: Malecki v. IWCC, No. 1-21-0713WC, 09/23/2022, unpublished. Facts: Gary Malecki worked for…
MEMIC Announces $17M Dividend
The MEMIC Group, a workers’ compensation insurance specialty carrier headquartered in Maine, announced that its board of directors authorized a $17 million dividend. MEMIC Group President and CEO Michael P. Bourque…
CDI Announces Charges in $2.5M Premium Fraud Case
The California Department of Insurance announced that three people associated with a trucking business in Fresno were arraigned Tuesday on four felony counts each for their alleged involvement in a…
Supreme Court Upholds Denial of Neurosurgery Referral for Worker With Thoracic Spine Issues
The West Virginia Supreme Court unanimously upheld the denial of a neurosurgery referral to a worker complaining of thoracic spine issues. Case: Duffey v. Office of Miners' Health, No. 21-0304, 09/19/2022,…
Work Comp Rates Decreasing 11.5%
The Idaho Department of Insurance announced that workers’ compensation rates will fall an average of 11.5% next year. The department said the National Council on Compensation Insurance recommended the cut based on…
Employer Fails to Offer Injured Worker Position Consistent With Permanent Restrictions
The Illinois Appellate Court upheld a determination that an employer failed to offer an injured worker a job that complied with his permanent restrictions from an elbow injury. Case: Asplundh Brush…
Supreme Court Unanimously Rules Nurse’s Disc Herniation Wasn’t From Compensable Back Injury
The West Virginia Supreme Court unanimously ruled that a nurse failed to prove her disc herniation was a result of a compensable back injury. Case: Johnston v. Wheeling Hospital Inc., No.