Quote of the day
"This was an improper attempt to influence the commission. This goes to the foundation of our whole system of justice for workers' compensation claims."
Kathryn Williams, Greenville, S.C. applicant attorney, contending that the state's governor is trying to force workers' comp commissioners to issue rulings he agrees with or face the threat of being replaced on the panel
State Fund on Hot Seat Again This Week
The California Senate Banking & Finance Committee will begin its second round of discussions tomorrow regarding State Fund. If all goes as planned, a reform bill will follow in the California Assembly. By D. Ashley Verrill, North Bay Business Journal
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Business Owners Advised to ‘Get Their House in Order’
California small business owners have enjoyed a steady decline in workers’ compensation insurance rates that are now the lowest in nine years. But that may be about to change, meaning it’s a good time for businesses to renew their focus on safety. By Jan Norman, Orange County Register [with photo] [may require registration] Go to the Full Story…
Palmetto Dispute Goes to Court This Month
A restraining order blocking the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission from following a 2007 executive order issued by Gov. Mark Sanford expires late next week. Sanford told commissioners to begin using uniform medical standards in determining payouts for long-term disabilities, and that has led to a federal lawsuit challenging the order on constitutional grounds.
Go to the full story by AP via GoUpstate.com (Spartanburg, S.C.) [with photo] Go to the full story by Sammy Fretwell, Myrtle Beach Sun
Story Illuminates Minimal Care for Retirees
Some workers find, after retirement, that workers’ comp benefits can be reduced while their need continues. Here is the story of one New York man whose personal physician is being overruled by workers comp officials, despite calling their decision on chiropractic adjustments “insane.” WSYR-TV (Syracuse)
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Feds Indict New York Insurer and Developer
A New York insurance company owner and a developer face federal charges of insurance and mail fraud for allegedly marketing unlawful and invalid workers’ compensation insurance policies to professional employer organizations. By Rocco LaDuca Utica Observer-Dispatch
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Former WSI Boss May Seek Repayment of Legal Fees
Sandy Blunt, former director of North Dakota’s Workforce Safety and Insurance agency, says he may go to court to force the state to pay legal fees he spent defending himself against three felony charges that ultimately were dropped. Blunt, who was forced out late last year, has filed a claim with the state’s risk management division. By Dale Wetzel, AP via Dickinson Press
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