California employers will see significant changes in the way their 2017 X-Mods are calculated with more weight focused upon workers’ comp claim frequency. The systemic changes are designed to make the rating plan more responsive to smaller risks. “This is a big change – the biggest we’ve done at least since 2010,” says Dave Bellusci, …
The owners and operators of a Southern California asphalt paving company are once again facing criminal charges for workers’ comp insurance premium fraud, failing to pay payroll taxes and allegedly stealing $2 million in wages from its employees. The Fourth District Court of Appeal reinstated the criminal charges against five individuals associated with the firms …
Federal prosecutors unsealed charges against five new defendants in the growing kickback scandal allegedly orchestrated by Michael Drobot to steer injured workers to Pacific Hospital for spinal surgeries. The five individuals, including the hospital’s former chief financial officer, have or will plead guilty to taking part in the scheme that generated nearly $600 million in …
The owner of a construction company and the foreman on the job where a worker fell to his death are now facing felony manslaughter charges in connection with the case. The criminal charges stem from the 2012 death of Jose Plancarte who fell to his death while working from a make-shift scaffold and without wearing …
Sacramento area prosecutors secured guilty verdicts against a brother and sister who avoided paying the workers’ compensation insurance premiums they legitimately owed by hiding the true size of their landscaping business. It’s not the first time the pair have been in trouble for payroll issues. The duo also cheated the state’s Employment Development Department out …
Proposed regulatory changes to California’s experience rating plan that aim to make the system fairer for smaller employers and are designed to enhance compliance are getting votes of support from the community. Additionally, proposed changes to workers’ comp classifications for horse racing interests also have the backing of those most directly impacted. The California Department …
Bumble Bee Foods LLC agreed to pay $6 million in fines, restitution and equipment upgrades to settle charges that it willfully violated workplace safety rules that lead to an employee’s death. Two company officials also agreed to plead guilty to criminal charges for their role in the accident. The settlement with the Los Angeles District …
A California employer was denied a 2013 X-Mod by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau because its insurance carrier failed to report the company’s loss and payroll data before being declared insolvent. The employer challenged the decision; the California Department of Insurance upheld the Bureau’s action. And the decision may open new questions. The Bureau …