Louisiana doctor admits to taking kickbacks
A 74-year-old Lake Charles, Louisiana doctor pleaded guilty Friday to workers’ compensation fraud conspiracy after taking kickbacks from an Arkansas company. The orthopedic surgeon and clinician, who practiced in Louisiana, made more than $1 million off of the scheme, which ran from 2011 until 2017 and defrauded both federal and private workers’ compensation insurers. American Press
Four restaurants are one employer, Massachusetts court rules
A prep cook cannot collect workers’ compensation and sue the restaurant for his work-related injury because the restaurant and three other entities share a single corporate parent, according to a Massachusetts appeals court. Law360 [may require registration]
Summertime heat means extra precautions for employees working outdoors
About 600 people in the United States die from heat-related illnesses each summer, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Between 2010 and 2017, the Oklahoma State Department of Health recorded 145 deaths in the state associated with excessive heat. For the past week in Oklahoma, extra safety equipment has taken on an added importance for those working outside. Daily Ardmorite
Florida county seeks to increase authorization for settling workers’ comp claims
Marion County, Florida officials are looking to increase their authority in settling workers’ compensation and liability claims from $50,000 to $100,000. The ordinance was last updated in 2012. Currently, the county’s administrator and attorney have the authority to handle settlements of $50,000 or less. Ocala-News