DWC Proposes Rules to Expedite UR Decisions
The California Division of Workers’ Compensation on Friday introduced rules to speed up the delivery of medical care by implementing provisions from bills passed nearly a decade ago exempting certain…
Court Overturns Worker’s SLU Award Because of Doctor’s Error
A New York appellate court ruled that a physician’s reliance on the wrong version of the state’s guidelines for determining impairment and loss of wage-earning capacity required reversal of the…
Federal Court Scolds Insured for Frivolous Contest to Carrier’s Entitlement to Payment
A federal appellate court scolded an insured for its frivolous defense during arbitration with its carrier and threatened to sanction the insured for its frivolous challenge to the arbitration award.
Case: American…
Contemptuous Conduct by Worker, Counsel Doesn’t Allow for Dismissal of PTD Claim as Sanction
The Utah Court of Appeals ruled that a worker’s claim for permanent total disability benefits could not be thrown out as untimely because he was actively litigating the matter, nor could…
No Death Benefits for Widow in Asbestos Exposure Claim
The Intermediate Court of Appeals of West Virginia upheld the denial of benefits to a widow, finding she failed to prove that her husband’s death was caused by his occupational exposure…
Committee Passes E-Signature, Worker Notice Bills
The California Senate Labor, Public Employment and Retirement Committee unanimously passed bills that would allow electronic signatures in Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board Proceedings and require notifying workers of their right…