Quote of the day
"Even if there were no specific legislative intent to exclude undocumented immigrants, the policy choice of including undocumented immigrants in the definition of 'employee' requires affirmative legislative direction."
Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Daniel Barker, in a special concurrence to a majority ruling, contending that a workers' comp claim should have been denied because the claimant is an illegal alien
Judge’s Concurrence Worries Arizona State Fund
Arizona’s State Compensation Fund plans to ask the Arizona Supreme Court to review a lower court judge’s assertion that an injured worker’s benefits claim should have been denied because he is an illegal immigrant, not due to his medical circumstances. The state’s largest insurer is concerned that Judge Daniel Barker’s position could cause confusion as to whether illegal immigrants can collect workers’ comp, and spur employee lawsuits against employers. By Paul Davenport, AP via Tucson Citizen
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Pataki Expands Benefits to Stricken Ground Zero Workers
On Monday, New York Gov. George Pataki signed legislation intended to significantly expand benefits for workers who have died or become ill as a result of working at Ground Zero in Lower Manhattan after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. But New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg contends the city cannot afford what he says will be a $500 million tab over the next decade.
Go to the full story in NY1 [With Video] Go to the full story by Karen Matthews, AP via News Observer (Raleigh, N.C.)
Hospital Lift Equipment Cutting Workers’ Comp Costs
The five largest health care systems in North Carolina’s Triad area are each investing hundreds of thousands of dollars in special equipment and training to help nurses and technicians safely move patients. We’ve already seen a major impact on [workers’] comp,” says the director of nursing practice at Moses Cone Health System in Greensboro. By Mark Tocszak, Business Journal of the Greater Triad Area
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Some Dairy State Employers Expect to Be Milked This Fall
At least 1,000 Wisconsin small businesses may incur higher workers’ compensation costs under a new policy, which is scheduled to take effect Nov. 1, that alters the way insurers issue policies to professional employer organizations. Business Journal of Milwaukee
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Faster Return to Work Benefits Accident Victims, Says NZ Insurer
In New Zealand, the Accident Compensation Corporation is urging the country’s 3000 general practitioners to be more stringent in approving injured workers’ time away from work. The insurer’s Return to Work Guide says increasing return-to-work rates not only cuts costs but also keeps workers healthier because prolonged incapacity can increase the risks of chronic pain, depression, drinking and job loss. By Martin Johnston, New Zealand Herald
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Unexpected Comp Costs Spur Special Meeting in Ohio Town
In Tiffin, Ohio, an unexpected increase in workers’ compensation of nearly $111,000 brings the city council back into a special meeting Monday. By Melissa Topey, Advertiser-Tribune (Tiffin, Ohio)
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A.M. Best Affirms Admiral Insurance Group
A.M. Best Co. has affirmed the financial strength rating of A+ (Superior) and the issuer credit ratings of “aa-” of Admiral Insurance Group of Wilmington, Del. and its property/casualty members. Workers’ Comp Executive
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