Quote of the day
"It was a SWAG -- scientific wild-assed guess."
Wyoming Sen. Charlie Scott, R-Casper, about an estimate by the outgoing director of the state Workers' Compensation Division regarding fraud in the system
Cowboy State Struggles with Unmeasured Fraud
Wyoming legislators and workers’ compensation officials say they only can guess at the level of fraud and attempted fraud by workers and employers in the Cowboy State’s workers’ comp system, but they do know how many employers fail to pay their premiums. Despite not paying, those employers are immune from lawsuits, and injured employees still qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. By Dustin Bleizeffer, Casper Star-Tribune
Go to the Full Story…
Hudson Valley Deputy Charged with Workers’ Comp Fraud
A veteran Orange County, N.Y., sheriff’s deputy who claims she hurt her back at work nearly three years ago faces charges collecting more than $75,000 in workers’ compensation benefits while misrepresenting that she had no other job. By Chris Mckenna, Times Herald-Record (Middletown, N.Y.)
Go to the Full Story…
Cronyism Alleged in Bay State Workers’ Comp Appointment
A Massachusetts governor’s councilor lambastes Gov. Deval Patrick’s choice of a political supporter, an attorney who has not practiced before the department, for a $107,000-a-year post as a workers’ compensation judge. “This is not a training ground,” says Mary-Ellen Manning, the councilor. By Edward Mason, Salem News
Go to the Full Story…
Asbestos School Head Charged with Conspiracy to Hire Illegal Aliens
The president of a Methuen, Mass., asbestos training school, where several illegal immigrants received certificates to become asbestos workers and supervisors, faces federal charges of conspiring to hire illegal aliens. The 38-year-old allegedly ran an under-the-table payroll through her temporary employment agency in order to evade payroll taxes and workers’ compensation premiums. By Brian Fraga, Standard Times (New Bedford, Mass.)
Go to the Full Story…
North Dakota: Highlights of Consultant’s Report on WSI
Here are highlights of a report by consulting firm Conolly & Associates about management practices and suggested changes at North Dakota’s workers’ compensation agency, including decision reviews, board members’ pay and claims review. Bismarck Tribune
Go to the Full Story…
‘Little Budding Criminals’ Wreaking Havoc in Australia’s Schools
In Australia’s Victoria state, a generation of disruptive teenagers is forcing hundreds of teachers to take stress leave, costing taxpayers more than $26 million USD in workers’ compensation claims over the past five years. By Stephen Drill and Laurie Nowell, Herald Sun
Go to the Full Story…
Australian Family Struggles with Workers’ Comp Cuts
A former transport company manager who lost an arm in a workplace accident five years ago, then lost his job, now may lose his home after his workers’ compensation payments are slashed pursuant to reforms. By Michelle Tydd, Illawarra Mercury
Go to the Full Story…