Quote of the day
"I don't know of any higher than that."
Mark Joye of Charleston, treasurer of the S.C. Trial Lawyers Association, about a $13.2 million settlement to an injured worker
Longshoreman Wins Huge Settlement for Crush Incident
A Mount Pleasant, S.C., longshoreman who was nearly crushed to death when a toplifter dropped a container on his SUV, in a 2004 work-related accident, wins potentially the largest personal injury settlement in state history: $13.2 million. By Schuyler Kropf, Charleston Post and Courier
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Would Workers’ Comp Oversight Deter Competition in West Virginia?
West Virginia lawmakers take an initial step toward increasing their oversight over the privatized, but troubled, workers’ compensation system, while opponents contend that the draft legislation will scare other private insurers from competing in the market. WHSV-TV (Harrisonburg, Va.)
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Africa: Ugandan Employers Often Ignore Workers’ Comp Law
For many Ugandans, securing a job is so crucial that important issues such as workers’ compensation are not included in the terms of employment. It is not uncommon for employers to “donate” money to families of workers killed on the job, even though it’s a statutory obligation. By Lydia K. Mutesi, New Vision (Kampala) via AllAfrica.com
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Cheap Fixes Can Save on Big Ergonomic Injury Bills
No one is immune to ergonomic injuries, which can be expensive for employers. But the news is not all bad: the U.S. Postal Service, for example, saved $1.8 million in workers’ compensation medical costs after implementing a program to reduce ergonomic risks in specific worksites, with some fixes costing less than $100. By Andrea Gurwitt, Herald News via NorthJersey.com
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Study Links DDT to Breast Cancer
A new study finds a significant link between women’s exposure to DDT, one of the most potent weapons against the mosquitoes that transmit malaria, as young girls and the development of breast cancer later in life. By Rick Weiss, Washington Post [With Photo] Go to the Full Story…
Aussie Jockey Fights for More Compensation
A former Canberra jockey who became a quadriplegic after fracturing his spinal cord during a race sues his insurance company to fund home modifications he needs for his wheelchair. His lawyer concedes that the Workers Compensation Act does not allow for that, but argues the 1951 legislation is outdated. 666 ABC Canberra
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Report Tabs Cost of New Workers’ Injuries in Tasmania
Nearly $17 million USD was spent on worker’s compensation claims for new Tasmanian workers in 2006, according to a new report. “Over 2500 injuries a year is way too many,” says a WorkCover board member. By Mark Worley, Mercury (Tasmania)
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