Quote of the day
"Before last year, we were seeing the larger drop for the small claims. If these more expensive claims and severe claims are having a big drop, that's obviously important."
Tony DiDonato, the National Council on Compensation Insurance director and senior actuary
NCCI: Claims Frequency Dropped Again Last Year
The frequency of workers’ compensation claims fell again in 2006, continuing a decline that began in the 1990’s, according to the National Council on Compensation Insurance. However, the NCCI’s data also shows that medical and indemnity costs associated with such claims has continued to rise. By Susan Kelly, Financial Week
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Consultant: Coin Liquidation Should Reap More Than $50 Million
The sale of rare coins and sports and historical memorabilia should bring in more than the $50 million Ohio invested with coin dealer Tom Noe, the politically-connected fundraiser convicted of stealing from the funds he managed for the state’s Bureau of Workers’ Compensation, according to the broker handling the sale. By John McCarthy, AP via Houston Chronicle
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Commentary: It Worked for California …
Insurance companies returned to California following the 2004 reforms, says North Carolina risk management consultant James Moore. Across the country, a meeting next month might indicate whether West Virginia’s reforms went far enough: Will big carriers accept the BrickStreet Mutual model and enter the Mountain State marketplace? Charleston Daily Mail
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Judge Delays Decision on Trial for North Dakota Agency Director
A North Dakota judge puts off deciding on prosecutors’ request that Sandy Blunt, director of the state’s workers’ compensation agency, Workforce Safety and Insurance, stand trial on two felony charges of misspending more than $11,000 in agency funds to buy restaurant vouchers and other gifts for employees, and for handing out more than $7,000 in illegal performance bonuses. By AP via KXNet.com (Bismarck) [With Photo] Go to the Full Story…
Missouri Court Approves Civil Suit for Injured Hotel Employee
The Missouri Supreme Court rules that a hotel employee who was injured in a vehicle accident near his workplace while he was on his way to work can file a civil lawsuit against his employer and is not limited to workers’ compensation. By Roberto Ceniceros, Business Week
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Classification Law Seeks Level Playing Field in Illinois Construction Industry
Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich signs legislation intended to increase protections for workers in the state’s construction industry by preventing the practice of misclassifying them as independent contractors. Proper classification ensures they will be entitled to numerous labor law protections, including workers’ compensation. Lincoln Daily News
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