Retired Arizona sergeant wins PTSD workers’ compensation claim
The Arizona Supreme Court recently ruled any first responders that have an “unusual, unexpected or extraordinary” event happen to them while on the job that causes post-traumatic stress disorder will be covered by workers’ compensation. The ruling in a case involving a retired Gila County sergeant sets an important legal precedent for Arizona first responders battling PTSD. First responders who meet requirements will be eligible for medical benefits, wage replacement benefits and permanent disability benefits. KTAR
Restaurant owner pleads guilty in alien harboring, tax fraud conspiracy
The majority owner of a Clarksville, Tennessee restaurant pleaded guilty March 2 in U.S. district court to conspiracy to harbor illegal aliens from China and Guatemala, harboring illegal aliens, money laundering; tax evasion and employment tax fraud, according to the acting U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Tennessee. Multiple agencies including the Tennessee Bureau of Workers Compensation investigated the case. Main Street Clarksville
Delaware mother, daughter accused of misclassifying employees
A mother and daughter accused of misclassifying employees as independent contractors in order to avoid paying taxes entered Delaware’s Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program this week without admitting guilt. The charges stem from what a district attorney has said appeared to be the first actual use of a decade-old law aimed at cracking down on employee misclassification. Daily Times
Pennsylvania court: No suspension of workers’ comp for incarceration until “after” conviction
Based on the Supreme Court’s holding in Carl Sadler v. WCAB (Philadelphia Coca-Cola Company), an employer is not entitled to a suspension of benefits during a pre-conviction incarceration (in this case for not being able to post bail) and is not entitled to a credit when the sentence for a conviction is the time that was served before the conviction. Lori DePolis of Chartwell Law discusses the case. JD Supra
Ohio BWC announces February fraud-related convictions
The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation says it secured seven convictions in fraud cases during the month of February, including a doctor who ran a pill mill in Dayton and the owner of a massage parlor. WDTN