Blog - Lastest News from Work Comp Staffing Solutions
Early COVID Decisions Provide Blueprint for Rebutting Presumption, Attorneys Say
The first two decisions from arbitrators suggest Illinois employers can rebut the presumption that COVID-19 is compensable by providing some concrete evidence of efforts to mitigate spread of the disease,…
No Labor Law Liability for Construction Worker With Back Injury
A New York appellate court ruled that a construction worker’s back injury from lifting a metal structure was not covered by the Labor Law. Case: Branch v. 1908 West Ridge Rd.
Court Upholds Finding of Compensability for School District Employee
The Arkansas Court of Appeals upheld a finding of compensability for a school district employee who injured her back from moving tables. Case: Sheridan School District v. Wise, No. CV-21-188, 11/17/2021, published. Facts:…
Advisory Council Agrees to 18.8% PPD Increase Spread Over Two Years
Wisconsin’s Workers’ Compensation Advisory Council will recommend that lawmakers increase the maximum weekly permanent partial disability payment by a cumulative 18.8% over two years. The council at a Wednesday meeting approved increasing…
DWC Amends Benefit Review Conference Rules
The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation adopted rules to implement legislation enacted in June allowing the agency to continue holding remote benefit review conferences after pandemic restrictions are lifted. Revised rules…
DWC Announces Judicial Reassignments
The New Jersey Division of Workers’ Compensation announced a series of judicial reassignments with the upcoming retirement of Administrative Supervisory Judge of Compensation Philip Tornettan, effective Jan. 1. Administrative Supervisory Judge Ingrid…
Smithfield Agrees to Change Health Procedures, Training
Smithfield Packaged Meats Corp., the country’s largest pork processor, has agreed to assemble a team of company and third-party experts to develop an infectious disease preparedness plan that the company…
Report: Commission Data Shows 42 Paid Claims Related to Vaccine Injuries
Data that the Idaho Industrial Commission provided in response to a public records request shows carriers have paid benefits on 42 of 53 claims alleging adverse reactions to the COVID-19…
Nonsubscribing Employer May Compel Arbitration of Worker’s Negligence Claim
A Texas appellate court ruled that a nonsubscribing employer should have been able to compel an employee to arbitrate his negligence claim for an alleged workplace injury. Case: Tejas Tubular Products…
Court Upholds Worker’s Convictions for Fraud, Perjury but Reduces Sentence
A California appellate court upheld a worker’s convictions for fraud and perjury but modified his sentence to remove one year of probation. Case: People v. Velasquez, No. E076088, 11/17/2021, unpublished. Facts: Ignacio…
Claim Remains Viable After Second Deadline Extension
The Kansas Court of Appeals ruled that a worker’s claim remained viable where she received an extension on the statutory deadline for the resolution of her case, then received a…
TMIC Distributes $3.3M in Dividends
Texas Mutual Insurance Co. announced the distribution of $3.3 million in early qualifier dividends to more than 2,500 policyholders, completing the final phase of the carrier’s $330 million dividend. Early qualifier…