Note: Workers’ Comp Executive will take its annual summer break starting Monday, July 4, and resume daily publication Monday, July 18. Happy Fourth of July to all of our valued subscribers!
Lawsuit: Alabama officials not following law when considering teachers’ injury compensation
The Alabama Education Association on Friday filed a lawsuit on behalf of four education employees, alleging that the Alabama State Board of Adjustment and the Alabama State Department of Education are failing to follow established guidelines for workers’ compensation. The lawsuit specifically claims teachers and education employees are being treated differently than all other state employees, who have their cases decided by the BOA instead of by their employers. Alabama Political Reporter
Insurance startup expands coverage area to Alabama
An insurance startup that provides coverage to businesses in 38 states and D.C. has just arrived in Alabama. Birmingham Business Journal [may require registration]
Canada: Prince Edward Island WCB proposes benefit increases
The Workers Compensation Board of Prince Edward Island is asking for feedback on proposed changes to the province’s Workers Compensation Act which would result in increases to benefits paid to injured employees. They include Increase benefit rates for employees off-work due to an injury from 85 percent of net pre-injury earnings to 90 percent. CBC
Study addresses relationship between cannabis use, pulmonary disease and COVID-19
In a new study of around half a million participants, researchers used data to evaluate the effect of cannabis on COVID-19 infection and to determine whether cannabis lung damage might facilitate COVID-19 infection in formerly regular users. The researchers found cannabis can produce lung diseases with increasing years of use, and cause weakening in the immune system, leading to pneumonia. The Fresh Toast