Quote of the day
“The horrible things that people see, they live with them. When you go home to your family, you can’t just leave it at the door.”
Pasco County, Florida Sheriff Chris Nocco
Injured Nevada inmate workers’ compensation same as pay rate
In a case arising from a finger injury to an inmate who was assigned to the Nevada Forestry Division in 2016, the Nevada Supreme Court has ruled that workers’ compensation rates for injured inmates are set at inmate pay rates instead of the state’s minimum wage. The inmate filed for disability benefits at the minimum wage after his release, but an appeals officer ruled state law sets compensation at the average monthly wage the inmate actually received when the injury occurred. Wichita Eagle
Daily exposure to trauma means stress disorder for Florida’s first responders
Deaths among Florida’s first responders by suicide have exceeded those in the line of duty for four straight years, according to the state’s Department of Law Enforcement commissioner. State officials estimate that 30 percent of first responders have considered or attempted suicide or suffer from post-traumatic stress or substance abuse. Florida Phoenix
South Carolina legislation would cover first responders’ mental health issues
Although similar legislation failed to pass in 2015, a group of South Carolina lawmakers who previously served as first responders have pre-filed legislation that would add workers’ compensation coverage for first responders who experience mental injury caused by significant traumatic experiences. WCIV
Indiana court rules against man injured in fireworks blast
The Indiana Court of Appeals recently ruled against a thrift store employee who claimed workers’ compensation after he suffered severe hand injuries in a fireworks explosion. Indiana Lawyer
Idaho justices rule surviving family can sue company over workplace death
The families of Idaho workers who are killed on the job now may be able to sue the employers following an Idaho Supreme Court decision that sets new precedent for wrongful death lawsuits. Prior to the decision, families of Idaho workers who died on the job were largely only entitled to workers’ compensation. Idaho Press
Bill to increase workers’ comp for loss of hand or foot passes New Jersey assembly
A bill sponsored by two New Jersey Assembly Democrats to increase workers’ compensation for employees who lose a hand or foot in a workplace accident recently was approved. The measure now heads to the Senate for further review. Insider NJ
Virginia commission sets workers’ compensation premium level adjustments
Virginia’s State Corporation Commission in December approved revisions sought by the National Council on Compensation Insurance to workers’ compensation insurance premiums. The changes will become effective April 1 for new and renewal policies. Augusta Free Press