Quote of the day
"What we heard a lot of times is that attorneys will advise claimants that, 'The commissioner is likely to increase the impairment rating by at least 50 percent to cover my attorneys fee because I get paid one-third off the top.' "
Tom Davis, chief of staff to South Carolina Gov. Mark Sanford; Davis says workers' comp lawyers have told him that workers' comp commissioners boost payouts so injured workers will not lose any of their impairment awards to attorneys' fees
Lawyers’ Fees Blamed for High Costs in Palmetto State
If South Carolina’s injury rate for workers is among the lowest in the nation, why are workers’ compensation premiums so high? Officials at Gov. Mark Sanford’s monthly cabinet meeting blame it partially on high claims payouts, some of which commissioners may increase to cover lawyers’ fees, while applicant attorneys counter that rising medical costs are to blame. By Tim Smith, Greenville News
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Injured Cop Drops Lawsuit Against Child’s Family
After her department puts her on leave, a central Florida police sergeant decides to abandon her lawsuit against the family of a child she rescued from a pool. The officer had claimed that workers’ compensation and disability benefits did not cover her medical expenses for a broken knee she experienced during the rescue. By AP via WINK-TV (Fort Myers)
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Surprise Sweep in Sunshine State
Code inspectors issue stop-work orders after dropping in on construction sites across Collier County, Fla., looking for unlicensed contractors, insurance and workers’ compensation violations, and underage laborers. NBC-2 (Fort Myers) [With Video] Go to the Full Story…
Montana State Fund Faces Crisis
Montana taxpayers could be on the hook for $30 million in workers’ compensation claims and may have to pay up sooner than expected: the Montana State Fund’s so-called Old Fund, which covers workers injured on the job before the state fund was restructured, could run out of money within five years. By AP via Billings Gazette
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WorkSafeBC Announces Convenience Store Safety Regs
After months of public hearings, WorkSafeBC announces amendments to the province’s occupational health and safety regs that include mandatory, full-time pre-payment at gas stations across British Columbia. The regulations take effect Feb. 1, 2008 and also require all gas stations and convenience stores to staff at least two workers during late-night shifts.
Go to the full story by Matthew Hoekstra, Richmond Review
Go to the full story by Niomi Pearson, Nanaimo News Bulletin
Cincy Chamber Warns of Effects of BWC Discount Restructuring
The Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber tells its Workers’ Comp Group Rating Program members that premiums may rise by 100 percent in 2008 if the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation restructures discounts for group ratings. Business Journal of Cincinnati
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Bad Bosses, Bullying Blamed for Workers’ Comp Costs
“Bad bosses are too expensive to keep,” according to Gary Namie, president of Work Doctor Inc., of Bellingham, Wash., which advises businesses on how to prevent bullying. “They cost turnover, absenteeism, lawsuits, workers’ comp claims and a tarnished reputation.” St. Petersburg Times via Dallas Morning News
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Toledo-Area Safety Councils to Save on Workers’ Comp
Two northwest Ohio safety councils who participate in the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation safety training program are set to receive more than $1.6 million in savings. Also in the area, a nasty congressional race heats up with one candidate accusing the other of accepting money from coin dealer/political fundraiser Tom Noe, who was convicted for his role in the BWC’s “Coingate” scandal. Toledo Blade
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Did ‘Idol’ Tour Violate Child Labor Laws?
New York state labor officials contend organizers of “American Idols Live Tour ’07” violated child labor laws by letting underage teens perform without permits, which are required so that state officials can monitor compliance with child labor, education and workers’ compensation regs. By UPI via Political Gateway
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