COVID-19 workers’ comp claims mount in Florida
In Florida, one of a handful of states that hasn’t already authorized a catastrophe fund for workers’ compensation insurance, insurance officials want to know the impact COVID-19 has had on workers’ compensation insurance, but the National Council on Compensation Insurance can’t provide answers. Florida Politics
Unions concerned about staff shortages in Connecticut prisons
Unions representing Connecticut prison employees warn state facilities don’t have adequate staff due to extended leaves related to staff assaults and personal or family illness, as well as resignations due to safety concerns. They expect staffing shortages will get much worse in the next year as another 400 employees staff become eligible for retirement. CT Mirror
Justice Department fighting Washington law that helps sick Hanford employees
The U.S. Department of Justice has filed a petition with the U.S. Supreme Court to continue to fight a 2018 law passed by the Washington state legislature that helps sick Hanford Nuclear Site employees obtain workers’ compensation. The Department of Energy, which owns Hanford, runs a self-insured workers’ compensation program and hires a contractor to administer the program. The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries is tasked with oversight. KING
Kenneth Feinberg and the 9/11 Fund
Kenneth Feinberg, who was appointed by President George W. Bush to administer the September 11th Victim Compensation Fund, discusses how his team raced to administer $7.1 billion to families and victims of the 2001 terror attacks. Legal Talk Network [with audio]