Quote of the day
"We know we have to raise some benefits. If we have to raise premiums, then that's what we have to do."
Wyoming Rep. Tom Lubnau, R-Gillette, a lawmaker participating in a workers' compensation forum aimed at improving benefits to injured workers
Reform Proposals Outlined in Wyoming
In Wyoming, state lawmakers discuss several possible changes to the state’s workers’ compensation program amid complaints from small business and injured workers. One proposal is to hire an ombudsman to help workers get assistance, while another would address mental health care. So far, there are no proposals to raise premiums for employers.
Go to the full story by Dustin Bleizeffer, Casper Star-Tribune
Go to the full story by AP via Gillette News Record
Contractor Sues over Aviary Excrement Hazard in Iraq
Patricia Howard, an Army reservist, took a job with a Tampa-based company that dismantles explosives and followed that company to war-torn Iraq. Now she’s filed a federal lawsuit alleging that her employer’s managers broke company policy and Fed-OSHA guidelines by exposing her to pigeon droppings. By Jared Leone, St. Petersburg Times
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Audit: Claims Fell in Show Me State After Reforms
The number of workers’ compensation claims has gone down since a 2005 Missouri law made it harder to prove workplace injuries. Insurance premiums also have declined for businesses; employers could soon see a nearly 8 percent decrease in the upcoming year. The state’s Republican governor touts that as a success while its Democratic auditor says injured workers may now be at a disadvantage.
Go to the full story by David A. Lieb, Kansas City Star [may require registration] Go to the full story by David A. Lieb, Columbia Missourian
Go to the full story in the St. Louis Business Journal
New York Woman Blames CRM for Loss of Her Home and Vehicle
In charges filed against CRM by the New York Workers’ Compensation Board in April, the case of an aide at a disabled persons’ group home who was injured when she chased a client who had run into traffic, was one of 19 “egregious examples” of claims for which Compensation Risk Managers LLC did not set aside adequate money, causing the fund’s deficits to suddenly balloon. By Mary Beth Pfeiffer, Poughkeepsie Journal
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New Commish to Keynote Lone Star State Workers’ Comp Forum
The Texas Division of Workers’ Compensation Commissioner Rod Bordelon will present a keynote address at the upcoming Texas Workers’ Comp Forum, Oct. 1-3, and other leaders in the state’s worker’s compensation system will be on hand to present updates on HB 7 reforms, claims-management strategies, case studies, and latest developments. OH&S
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Pennsylvania Court Decision Impairs Workers’ Comp Defendants
The Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court also is attempting to walk a fine line when it comes to defining impairment. As a result, the ability of workers’ compensation defendants to limit the length of time wage loss benefits can be received by claimants just got more oppressive. By Lee S. Fiederer, Legal Intelligencer via Law.com
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Iowa Applicant Attorney Sounds Off in Guest Column
“The real problem with the [Iowa workers’ comp] system is that it fails to adequately care for and compensate many workers who suffer severe and often career-ending job-related injuries. Employees who suffer work-related injuries have no voice in selecting doctors or surgeons. By Nate Boulton via Des Moines Register [may require registration] Go to the Full Story…
Korea Court: Injury Sustained Removing Cat Compensable
In Korea, the Seoul Administrative Court rules that a gas station worker who was run over by an oil tanker truck while removing his cat, which was hiding beneath the truck, constitutes an industrial accident. The Korea Workers’ Compensation and Welfare Service must pay compensation to the family of the late 62-year-old. Korea Times
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