Quote of the day
"We stood behind this country. It's time for the country to stand behind us."
Gregory Quibell, regarding federal assistance for leukemia that his doctor says is related to his search-and-rescue work at the World Trade Center after Sept. 11
Health Cuts for Sept. 11 Responders Called ‘Unconscionable’
In New York, individuals who worked at the World Trade Center site rail against the Bush administration’s proposal to cut Sept. 11-related health care programs by 77 percent in next year’s budget, to $25 million from $108 million. New York Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-Manhattan) contends such health care programs need $250 million. By Carl Macgowan, Newsday
Go to the Full Story…
South Dakota Lawmaker Blocks Medical Records Bill
A South Dakota state senator, who also is a longtime union official, temporarily blocks a legislative measure, which would force injured workers to give their complete medical records to employers, on the ground that employers could use a childhood injury to contend that a worker had a pre-existing medical condition.
Go to the full story by AP via Sioux City Journal
Go to the full story by AP via Press & Dakotan (Yankton)
Go to the full story by Chet Brokaw, KXNet.com (Minot, N.D.)
N.D. House Majority Leader Wants Outside CEO for WSI
Citing concerns of “credibility” and “confidence,” North Dakota’s House Republican majority leader says the state’s troubled workers’ compensation agency, Workforce Safety and Insurance, should replace interim chief executive John Halvorson with an experienced outside manager, but declines to identify anyone in particular. But a Fargo applicant attorney contends Rep. Rick Berg is not serious about fixing the state’s workers’ comp problems.
Go to the full story by Dave Kolpack, AP via Jamestown Sun
Southern Utah City’s Police Spur New Look at Workers’ Comp Policy
Cedar City, Utah police want the city to examine its workers’ comp policy and possibly revamp it, in the wake of the shooting of a police officer. The plan reportedly makes no distinction if a city employee breaks a limb while working or is shot. By Ryan Dionne, St. George Daily Spectrum (St. George)
Go to the Full Story…
‘Important Opinions’ Preview Includes Workers’ Comp Case
A recent Massachusetts decision finds that where an individual was injured on the defendant’s premises while operating a forklift and filed a negligence suit, a judge permissibly awarded the defendant summary judgment on the basis that it was immune from suit because it controlled and directed the worker and was liable for workers’ comp payments. Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly [first item] Go to the Full Story…
Charm City’s ‘Dental Disaster’
A Baltimore television station exposes a worker’s compensation system that has been disastrous for injured workers who need dentists. A medical consultant contends including dentists, who often refuse workers’ comp cases, in a medical fee guide would be an incentive for dentists to treat workers’ comp patients. WBAL-TV
Go to the Full Story…
Employers Holdings Announces Profit Slide
Workers’ comp insurer Employers Holdings Inc.’s announces that its profit dropped 42 percent in the fourth quarter because a sale of a portfolio of stocks yielded a big gain. Premiums shrank 9 percent to $84.4 million, mainly because of reforms in California designed to ease premium rates; the company also sold fewer policies in Nevada. By AP via Houston Chronicle
Go to the Full Story…
Virginia Republicans Target Alternative Dispute-Resolution Bill
The Virginia House Republican majority wants to get Democrats on the record on legislation the GOP views as business-unfriendly, a bill that would allow construction firms and unions to enter alternative dispute resolution in workers’ compensation cases. By AP via Daily Press
Go to the Full Story…
Tasmanian Unions Want More Reform
In Australia, Tasmania’s trade union movement is contending that recommended changes to the state’s workers’ compensation system do not go far enough and that the government could afford to remove time limits on compensation, regardless of a worker’s health. ABC News (Australia)
Go to the Full Story…