Washington bill clarifying workers’ comp eligibility for radiological waste facilities passes
The Washington House Floor debated a bill last week that would clarify eligibility for workers’ compensation at radiological hazardous waste facilities. The bill passed the Washington Senate 32-17 on February 12 and passed the House 68-27 on March 2. It is now on the way to the governor’s desk for signature. Auburn Examiner
Hawaii Insurance Division approves 8.2% increase in workers’ comp loss cost rates
The National Council on Compensation Insurance, Inc. recently requested an 11.2% average workers’ compensation loss cost rate increase for 2022, subject to approval by the Hawaii Insurance Division. The loss cost trend of increases from 2021 has carried over into 2022 and is largely attributed to rising costs for average indemnity and medical only claims, while combined ratios stay relatively consistent. JD Supra
Connecticut woman accused of workers’ compensation fraud
Prosecutors have charged a 48-year-old Connecticut woman with illegally collecting workers’ compensation while employed by the Connecticut Department of Children and Families. She is alleged to have received more than $18,000 in benefits from January through May 2020 while working as a licensed practical nurse for a private company. WFSB
Plaintiff gets another chance to meet burden in Missouri workers’ comp claim
The Missouri Court of Appeals Western District clarified a statute’s definition of “medically documented” injuries in its March 8 reversal and remand of a plaintiff seeking relief from the Second Injury Fund. Missouri Lawyers Media [may require registration]
Avoiding costly eye injuries on the job
Hundreds of thousands of American employees—and not just those in construction or industrial settings, but also office employees dealing with eyestrain related to desktop, tablet or smartphone screen use—suffer an eye injury on the job each year. It costs an estimated $300 million collectively for medical care, lost productivity and workers’ compensation. The good news is about 90 percent work-related eye injuries can be prevented. Leader-Call