Quote of the day
"The deceitful tactics used by these workers' compensation attorneys to gather these donations are reminiscent of old Louisiana-style corruption."
Oklahoma State Sen. Todd Lamb, R-Edmond
Sooner State GOP Blasts Dems for Taking ‘Tainted Money’
Oklahoma Republican legislators call on Democrats to return potentially illegal donations that they received from a political fund controlled by workers’ compensation attorneys, and for an investigation of Working Oklahomans Alliance. By Nolan Clay, Oklahoman
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Ohio Responds to Lawsuit Targeting Group Rates
The state of Ohio says a challenge to the way it sets workers’ comp insurance rates is unwarranted and that the system is fair and follows legislative requirements. At issue is the bureau’s practice of offering discounts of up to 90 percent, and 85 percent next year, for business groups with records of workplace safety. The lawsuit contends that businesses outside such groups are subsidizing the injured-worker system.
Go to the full story by Thomas J. Sheeran, AP via Akron Beacon Journal
Go to the full story by AP via WDTN-TV (Dayton)
Go to the full story by WTOL-TV (Toledo)
North Dakota Workers’ Comp Proposal Submitted for Fall Ballot
Supporters of putting the governor in charge of North Dakota’s workers’ compensation agency turn in petitions to put the idea to a vote in November. The initiative would allow the governor to appoint the director of Workforce Safety and Insurance; currently, an appointed board has the authority to hire and fire the director. KFYR-TV (Bismarck)
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Man Found Guilty of Murdering His Workers’ Comp Attorney
Angus MacIntyre is scheduled to be sentenced next month for shooting his attorney point-blank in the head in June 2006. His defense was that the attorney drove him to the crime by talking down to him and “screwing up” his workers’ compensation case. By Melissa Weaver, Santa Cruz Sentinel
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Imperial Sugar CEO Issues Statement
John Sheptor, chief executive of Imperial Sugar, responds to Fed-OSHA’s issuance of nearly $9 million in fines for more than one hundred alleged safety violations related to the deadly February explosion at a Savannah, Ga.-area refinery. By Alice Massimi, WSAV-TV (Savannah) [with photo, video] Go to the Full Story…
New Zealand: Noise-Induced Hearing Loss Claims Increasing
New Zealanders are making claims for compensation for noise-induced hearing loss at the rate of 11 cases a day and at a cost of over $31 million USD a year to the Accident Compensation Commission. Massey University News [with photo] Go to the Full Story…