Quote of the day
"This is the first step looking at the limited data to see how the system is working. This is good news because the goal of the system is to get prompt, effective treatment and get the injured worker back to work."
Carrie Nevans, acting director of the California Division of Workers' Compensation, about a recent state study on return-to-work rates
Overhaul Aids Return-to-Work: Study
Moderately injured workers return to work faster since the 2004 overhaul of California’s workers’ compensation insurance system, according to a new state study dealing with a small portion of the workers’ comp system. The report shows that 70 percent of employees declared permanently but partially disabled from Jan. 1, 2005, to June 30, 2006, returned to work. But injured workers and advocates are venting their frustration at the system.
Go to the full story by Marc Lifsher, Los Angeles Times
Go to the full story by Aaron C. Davis, AP via San Jose Mercury News
Commentary: Reforms’ Impact on Experience Ratings
William Brennan, principal of San Diego firm Barney & Barney LLC and team leader of the firm’s Construction Practice, writes about the impact of California’s reforms on workers’ comp rates, medical and indemnity losses and experience modifications. By William Brennan via San Diego Daily Transcript
Go to the Full Story…
Vermont Bill Would Put Burden on State for Sick Building Illnesses
A bill in Vermont would place the burden of proof on the state when employees file workers’ compensation claims because of illnesses caused by a state office building complex. The state decided last October to move workers out of the Bennington building after officials found out in June that six workers were diagnosed with sarcoidosis.
Go to the full story by Neal Goswami, Bennington Banner [With Photo] Go to the full story by AP via Boston Globe
An Apparent End to James Hardie Asbestos Dispute
After years of negotiations, an end could be in sight to the dispute over compensation for victims of James Hardie asbestos products, as the Netherlands-based company presents an amended compensation deal to its Australian shareholders. One victim calls it “the very best deal that we could’ve attained.” By Barbara Miller, the World Today via ABC.net.au (Australia)
Go to the Full Story…
Employers Owe Mariana Islands’ WCC $1.3 Million
Businesses and government agencies owe the Northern Mariana Islands’ Workers’ Compensation Commission a total of $1.3 million, the agency’s director reports, mostly because of a previous regulation that penalized employers $100 a day for failing to cover employees. By Agnes Donato, Saipan (CNMI) Tribune
Go to the Full Story…
Northwest Territories Worker Claims Social Discrimination
A 45-year-old seasonal worker who broke his hip in 2001 while working on an ice road contends the Northwest Territories Workers’ Compensation Board unfairly has refused to include his employment insurance earnings as part of his annual income due to his seasonal status. CBC News
Go to the Full Story…
North Carolina Court: ‘Fun Day’ Falls Outside Employment Scope
An injury sustained by a voluntary emergency medical services captain at her employer’s “Fun Day” is not compensable, according to the North Carolina Supreme Court, because it did not arise out of the scope of her employment. By John O’Brien, Legal Newsline
Go to the Full Story…
Contractor Stole Personal Data from Database, Agency Charges
A former Massachusetts state contractor accessed a workers’ compensation database to steal personal information and fraudulently obtain credit, the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents says. As many as 1,200 workers’ compensation claimants and their Social Security numbers may have been compromised. By AP via Worcester Telegram & Gazette
Go to the Full Story…