Minnesota Supreme Court hears police staffing case
The Minneapolis Police Department’s headcount is currently below 600, in large part because 280 officers have left the department since 2020. Many filed workers’ compensation claims for post traumatic stress disorder stemming from the protests and riots sparked by the murder of George Floyd in police custody. Last week, the Minnesota Supreme Court heard the legal dispute over the department’s staffing levels. KARE (Minneapolis)
Federal employees may soon have better access to workers’ compensation
The House of Representatives has passed legislation that would expand federal employees’ choice of medical providers. The act would cover the cost of medical care for injured federal workers who seek treatment from physician assistants and nurse practitioners. The current law limits reimbursable medical fees just to physicians. Federal News Network
Former Iowa 911 dispatcher recalls incident that left her with hearing loss, PTSD
In Iowa, injuries suffered from mental trauma have been recognized as a basis to provide workers’ compensation. A former 911 dispatcher recently won a workers’ compensation case at the Iowa Supreme Court following an incident in 2018 when she answered a particularly disturbing call, and was subsequently diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder. WQAD
Power plant tragedy in Gulf of Mexico could change employee protections
More than a year after the April 2021 Seacor Power lift boat tragedy in the Gulf of Mexico, legal changes may be on the way that could have lasting effects on the Jones Act, which protects employees in hazardous occupations where state laws such as workers’ compensation typically don’t apply. The incident occurred when a lift boat capsized south of Port Fourchon, Louisiana; only six of 19 crew members were successfully rescued. Survivors and families of deceased or missing crew members have filed multimillion-dollar lawsuits related to it. Legal Reader/Greater Baton Rouge Business Report