Quote of the day
"They are part of a workers' compensation package with elements that either go too far in allowing for larger payouts or are feel-good reforms that have little impact other than to add to the anti-business arsenal."
Norwich (Conn.) Bulletin editorial, about 18 bills currently in the state legislature
Commentary: Connecticut Bills Abet Bad-for-Business Reputation
In the Connecticut Legislature, 18 bills span a number of compensation issues, including doubling the time limit for which an employee can apply for certain kinds of compensation and increasing penalties for insurers who do not pay in a timely manner. But overall, the package could combine to increase the reality that the state is unfriendly to business. Norwich Bulletin
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Iowa High Court Rules for Employers with No Coverage
Vacating an appellate court affirmation of a district court, the Iowa Supreme Court rules that employers that lack any form of workers’ compensation insurance are not liable for failing to pay awarded benefits to an injured employee. By Rob Luke, Legal Newsline (Chicago) [With Photo] Go to the Full Story…
Comp Fraud Charges on Tap for New York Bar Owner
The owner of a Binghamton, N.Y., tavern faces criminal charges for alleged offenses that include filing false documents with the state Workers’ Compensation Board. By Jim Wright, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin
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Commentary: Empire State System Needs Oversight
Two recent reports—one finding significant underpayments by employers, the other, lack of employee coverage—make a strong case New York’s workers’ compensation system desperately needs greater fraud prevention oversight. Utica Observer-Dispatch
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Ohio Town Hires Safety Officer to Get Back in BWC’s Good Graces
A new safety officer will assist an Ohio township that has “gotten a little sloppy” in getting back in compliance with Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation regs. By Stacy Millberg, Ashtabula Star-Beacon
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Japan Utility Disregards Limitations in Compensating Workers’ Kin
An Osaka electric power supplier provides special condolence money to the family of employees who died from asbestos inhalation even after a five-year statute of limitations for workers’ compensation payments expired. Mainichi Daily News
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Tennessee Employers, Carriers Get Wise, Officials Say
The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Penalty Program doubled penalties levied against insurance carriers and employers from its first to second year, but in its third year, the numbers are stabilizing. State officials say employers and carriers may be more aware of the consequences of failing to fully address workers’ comp complaints. By William Williams, Nashville City Paper
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Wyoming Bill Would Extend Workers’ Comp Immunity
Wyoming House Bill 46, “Workers’ Compensation Co-employee Immunity,” would extend the same immunity from suit that Wyoming employers have to supervisors, managers and other co-employees. The bill will likely go back to the state legislature’s Labor, Health and Social Services Committee and could be reintroduced during the next legislative session. By Dustin Bleizeffer, Casper Star-Tribune
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Furniture Mover Claims Time Off for Injury Cost Him His Job
A West Virginia worker sues his employer, claiming he lost his job because of a knee injury he sustained while moving furniture and the time he took off of work for rehabilitation. By Cara Bailey, West Virginia Record
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