Workers’ comp rates to fall in Vermont for fifth straight year
Vermont Governor Phil Scott on Monday announced businesses in the state will see another rate decrease in workers’ compensation insurance this year. As a result, employers in the state will pay an average of 36 percent less in workers’ compensation premiums than they did in 2016. The logging industry will see rate reductions between 3 and 12 percent, the skiing industry will see rate reductions up to 7 percent and the dairy farming industry will see rate relief between 3 and 12 percent. VTDigger
Former air marshal sentenced for collecting over $240K in workers’ comp
A former federal air marshal has been sentenced to two years probation and ordered to pay restitution after he fraudulently collected more than $240,000 in workers’ compensation he collected. The 52-year-old allegedly concealed on Office of Workers’ Compensation Programs forms that he owned and was engaged in physical activities at his martial arts business. WJAR (Providence, R.I.)
Former employee sues Myrtle Beach mayor’s company in workers’ comp dispute
The beverage distribution company owned by the family of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina’s mayor is being sued by a former employee who claims he was fired in retaliation for filing for workers’ compensation. WBTW
Connecticut lawmaker pushes for workers comp to include mental health
Connecticut state Sen. Cathy Osten, who worked for more than two decades as a corrections officer and lieutenant for the Connecticut Department of Corrections, has spearheaded the fight for mental health coverage through workers’ compensation since she first entered the legislature in 2012. Seven years later, a legislative compromise led to workers’ compensation coverage of mental illness for police and fire responders who are diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder after experiencing one of six qualifying events. In this session, Osten wants expand the bill. CT Examiner
Illinois Supreme Court to consider impact of workers’ comp exclusivity on BIPA claims
The Illinois Supreme Court last week granted leave to appeal an appellate court ruling that Biometric Information Privacy Act claims are not the type of injuries falling under the scope of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act. The Supreme Court’s decision later this term ought to provide clarity to class action litigants across the state, according to two attorneys with SmithAmundsen LLC. JD Supra