Quote of the day
"Taken to its logical conclusion, the holding today will permit workers' compensation carriers to deny paid-attendant care to claimants on the theory that such paid care is not necessary because it could and should be performed by the claimant's spouse as part of her spousal duties."
Arizona Court of Appeals Judge Donn Kessler, dissenting from an opinion denying an "attendant care" claim
Arizona Appeals Court Rejects Attendant Care Claim
The Arizona Court of Appeals rules that workers’ compensation insurance does not have to reimburse spouses of injured workers for special care they provide. The court rejected arguments by a partially-paralyzed injured worker that his wife should be paid for the “attendant care” she provides when he does not have a nurse at his house. By Howard Fischer, Arizona Business Gazette via AZCentral.com
Go to the Full Story…
Las Vegas: Can Bottom-Line Concerns Spur Safety Improvements?
In economic terms, what encourages construction contractors to create safe work sites? The question is important in Las Vegas, where a string of construction fatalities on the Strip has shaken the industry and drawn accusations from workers and union leaders that contractors, who face significant financial pressures to finish by deadline, are cutting corners on safety. By Alexandra Berzon, Las Vegas Sun
Go to the Full Story…
Applicant Attorneys Eye Florida Case
A pending Florida Supreme Court ruling involving claimant attorneys’ fees may change the workers’ compensation landscape for businesses, insurance carriers and other stakeholders. Depending on the decision, these attorneys’ practices could return to volume levels that existed before the state’s 2003 reform.
Go to the full story By Christine Jordan Sexton, Florida Health News via Ocala.com
Go to the full story in the Tampa Bay Business Journal [[may require registration]
Union Files Complaint Related to Alaska Trooper’s Workers’ Comp File
The union representing Alaska State Trooper Mike Wooten files an ethics complaint against Gov. Sarah Palin and members of her administration charging a possible unlawful breach of the trooper’s confidential personnel and workers’ compensation files.
Go to the full story by Wesley Loy, Anchorage Daily News
Go to the full story by Alan Suderman, Juneau Empire
Ohio’s Sick Day Initiative Won’t Happen
Ohio labor leaders drop a campaign for a ballot issue that would have required business and industry in Ohio with 25 or more employees to give seven paid sick days annually. Gov. Ted Strickland had opposed the issue, saying it would hurt the state’s economy. By Paul Giannamore, Intelligencer/Wheeling News-Register
Go to the Full Story…
Malaysians Will Have to Insure Domestic Help
In Malaysia, people who hire domestic maids will soon be required to buy insurance for their helpers under a proposed amendment to the Employment Act and Workers’ Compensation Act. By V.P. Sujata, Star
Go to the Full Story…
Judge: Snubbing Firm Just Evaded Maximum Fine
Without efforts to improve workplace safety in the wake of a fatal oil rig fire four years ago, a Calgary company may not have escaped with less than the maximum $500,000 CAD fine, a judge states in agreeing to a $425,000 CAD penalty under the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act. By Daryl Slade, Calgary Herald
Go to the Full Story…