Quote of the day
"I think that it's important that employers realize they cannot employ undocumented workers without consequence."
Chief Rhode Island Workers' Compensation Judge George E. Healey Jr., about an employer's settlement with an injured illegal tree service worker
Employer Settles with Illegal Immigrant over Chainsaw Incident
An illegal immigrant who accidentally slashed his face open with a chainsaw in 2006 wins a $30,000 settlement in a groundbreaking case against the owner of a Rhode Island tree service company. The 22-year-old Mexican claimed his former employer tipped off immigration officials and had him deported before he could pursue a workers’ comp claim. By Karen Lee Ziner, Providence Journal [With Photo] Go to the Full Story…
South Dakota Bill Would Spur Employer Actions on Medical Bills
The South Dakota Labor Department asks state lawmakers to change some provisions that deal with workers’ compensation: House Bill 1037 would fine employers who delay taking action on the medical bills of injured workers. By AP via KXMC-TV (Minot, N.D.)
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Once Targeted by Prosecutors, WSI Official Steps Down
The investigations director of North Dakota’s workers compensation agency is resigning to take a private job, three months after prosecutors dropped a felony conspiracy charge against her for allegedly disclosing confidential drivers’ license information in trying to determine the identity of the sender of an intra-agency email. By Dale Wetzel, AP via Grand Forks Herald
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Where the Money Went in North Dakota Workers’ Comp Case
Prosecutors are asking the North Dakota Supreme Court to reinstate charges against Sandy Blunt, former chief executive officer of North Dakota’s Workforce Safety and Insurance agency, for allegedly awarding $7,200 worth of illegal salary bonuses to three favored employees. The judge dropped the charges last summer; here is the questionable spending listed in two felony charges. By Dale Wetzel, AP via Forbes
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BrickStreet Boss Backs Up Governor’s Sentiments
BrickStreet Mutual Insurance President Greg Burton joins Gov. Joe Manchin in asking West Virginia lawmakers to leave the workers’ compensation system along as outside carriers gear up to compete with BrickStreet for customers. Burton, who says the agency welcomes competition, also states that since the company took over for the state, rates have decreased, processing times for claims have plunged, and there is less fraud.
Go to the full story by Mannix Porterfield, Beckley Register Herald
Go to the full story by Hillary Crowder, WVNS-TV (Beckley)
China Urges Korea to Safeguard Chinese Workers
China officials are asking Korea to take active measures to protect the safety of Chinese workers and prevent workplace accidents like a recent explosion that killed 12 Chinese workers. Families of the victims have agreed in principle on the compensation; negotiation on compensation for the injured workers will start soon. By An Lu, China View/Xinhua News Service
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