an Appropriations Committee Passes Anti-Discrimination Treatment Bill, Ag Worker Presumption By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The California Assembly Appropriations Committee passed bills that would create a presumption that heat injuries are compensable for agricultural workers and would expose employers to penalties for denying injured workers’… Full Article
an Legislature Passes Bill to Give Park Rangers 4850 Time By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 California lawmakers passed a bill that, if approved by Gov. Gavin Newsom, would allow county park rangers to collect full salary-continuation benefits in lieu of temporary disability for up to… Full Article
an Some Claims Stricken in Dispute Between Company's Founding Partners By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 28 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A California appellate court ruled that some claims in a dispute between the founding partners of a factoring company should have been dismissed. In 2010, Ari Resnick and Dr. Ismael Silva Jr. Full Article
an Bill to Mandate In-State Licensing for UR Docs Returns By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A bill that would require some doctors performing utilization review to be licensed in the state was brought back to life after spending roughly a year on the California Assembly’s… Full Article
an Amendment Expands E-Signature Bill By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Electronic signatures would be allowed for all California workers’ compensation documents, under a recently amended bill. Assemblymember Diane Dixon, R-Newport Beach, last week amended AB 2337 to strike a provision that… Full Article
an Kids' Chance Awards $225,115 in Scholarships By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 29 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Kids’ Chance of California awarded $225,115 in scholarships to 42 students for the upcoming academic year. The nonprofit organization that provides scholarships to children of those who were seriously injured or killed… Full Article
an Subcontractor Can't Demand Payment for Work Done Without Comp Coverage By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 04 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A California appellate court ruled that a subcontractor on a construction project was not entitled to pursue payment for its work because it failed to maintain workers’ compensation coverage. Case: American Building Innovation LP… Full Article
an CCWC Opens Registration for 21st Annual Conference By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The California Coalition on Workers’ Compensation opened registration for its 21st annual Conference, Legislative and Educational Forum. The three-day event will feature four general sessions and 15 breakout discussions about issues… Full Article
an DWC Reopens San Bernardino District Office By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The California Division of Workers’ Compensation on Tuesday announced that it reopened its district office in San Bernardino, which had been closed since late July to fix an inoperable air conditioner. The… Full Article
an Trial Court Did Not Abuse Discretion in Considering New Evidence, Remanding Case By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 13 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A trial court did not abuse its discretion when it reviewed new medical reports finding that a man was unable to return to work and in ordering San Francisco’s retirement system to… Full Article
an DWC Opens Registration for 32nd Annual Educational Conference By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The California Division of Workers’ Compensation opened registration for its 32nd annual Educational Conference that will be held in March. The conference is the largest work comp training event in the… Full Article
an Pacific Workers' Law Adds Yuvanna M. Davis to Firm By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 24 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Pacific Workers’ Compensation Law Center in Oakland hired Yuvanna M. Davis as a workers’ compensation attorney. Yuvanna M. Davis The firm said Davis has a strong background in workers’ rights and… Full Article
an Governor Signs Bill to Delay Comp Mandate for Contractors By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 25 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed a bill delaying by two years the implementation of a universal workers’ compensation coverage requirement for all contractors. The bill Newsom signed Sunday also includes a… Full Article
an WCIRB Promotes Tony Milano to EVP, Chief Actuary By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California on Thursday announced the promotion of Tony Milano to executive vice president and chief actuary. Tony Milano “Tony’s promotion to our Senior Leadership… Full Article
an Governor Vetoes 4850 Time for Rangers By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed over potential cost concerns a bill that would have allowed county and special district park rangers to receive full-pay salary continuation benefits in lieu of… Full Article
an Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee Meets Oct. 16 By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The California Division of Workers’ Compensation Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee is meeting virtually on Oct. 16. The 2015 bill that directed the DWC to create a prescription drug formulary also created… Full Article
an Andrea Coleman to Succeed Bill Mudge as WCIRB President, CEO By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 04 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California announced that Andrea Coleman will succeed Bill Mudge as president and CEO next year. Andrea Coleman Coleman’s promotion will take effect Feb. 1,… Full Article
an DWC Adopts Medicare Changes to Hospital, ASC Fee Schedule By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 10 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The California Division of Workers' Compensation posted an order updating the hospital outpatient department and ambulatory surgical centers section of the Official Medical Fee Schedule. The division in October posted an… Full Article
an DWC Posts 2025 Profile Audit Standards By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 17 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The California Division of Workers' Compensation announced standards it will use for profile audit review of adjusting locations next year. The DWC said the PAR performance standard for 2025 audits is… Full Article
an WCRI Finds Medical Payments 10% Below Median in Golden State By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 21 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Workers Compensation Research Institute reports that average medical payments per claim in California were 10% below the median of a 17-state study. California saw little change in payments per claim… Full Article
an DWC Announces TTD Rates for 2025 By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 24 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The California Division of Workers’ Compensation announced that the minimum and maximum temporary total disability rates are increasing Jan. 1. The minimum TTD rate will increase to $252.03 per week from… Full Article
an Court Upholds Finding of Partial Disability, Remands Dispute of Claimed Overpayment By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 06 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Michigan Court of Appeals ruled that a worker was partially disabled by carpal tunnel syndrome and the Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission should address whether she received an overpayment… Full Article
an Insolvency Pool Can't Collect From Carrier for Staffing Service's Client By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 03 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Georgia Court of Appeals upheld a finding that the state Insurers Insolvency Pool did not have a right to reimbursement from the insurer of a business using a staffing… Full Article
an Report: Man Accused of Selling Insurance Without License By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 10 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The owner of a Georgia tax preparation business was charged with 23 counts of insurance fraud and two counts of deceptive practices for allegedly selling workers’ compensation insurance without being… Full Article
an Supreme Court Says Employer Can't Contract to Create Liability for Negligence By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that an employer may not contractually create common-law negligence liability by setting additional nonemployer roles or capacities when the liability is based on the same physical… Full Article
an Last-Leg Amazon Delivery Workers Can't Be Compelled to Arbitrate Claims By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 27 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A divided Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that two workers employed by a local delivery contractor for Amazon Inc. could not be compelled to arbitrate their workers’ compensation retaliation claims. Case: Mathis… Full Article
an Court of Existing Claims Announces Preliminary Review Docket By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Oklahoma Workers’ Compensation Court of Existing Claims is implementing a preliminary review docket for active cases pending as of July 1. The court’s preliminary review docket will be held at… Full Article
an No Permanent Total Disability Benefits for Worker Who Lost Eye By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 23 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Arkansas Court of Appeals upheld a determination that a worker was not permanently and totally disabled by the loss of her left eye. Case: Murphy v. Arkansas Department of Correction,… Full Article
an DOL Sets Benefit-Assistance Events for Black Lung Disease Cases By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 14 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The U.S. Department of Labor's federal Black Lung Program has set outreach events for current and former coal miners with disabilities related to black lung disease in Indiana, Illinois and Kentucky. Miners' families and… Full Article
an DOL Updates Hazard Communication Standard By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 22 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The U.S. Department of Labor on Tuesday said it adopted a new rule updating its hazard communication standard that takes effect July 19. The revised rule requires labels on small packages… Full Article
an OccMD Names Cheryl Killion Director of Nurse Case Management By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 29 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Medical management firm OccMD on Tuesday announced the appointment of Cheryl Killion as the new director of nurse case management effective June 1. Killion has served as a senior nurse case… Full Article
an Regulatory Preamble Can Support Award of Black Lung Benefits By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 14 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A federal appellate court ruled that an administrative law judge did not err in relying on a regulatory preamble to support an award of black lung benefits to a veteran… Full Article
an IAIABC Announces NextGen Award Winners By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 17 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions announced the recipients of its NextGen Award recognizing young professionals who are having a positive effect on their organizations and the… Full Article
an Bill Would Allow Treatment by Physician Assistants, Nurse Practitioners By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 09 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Physician assistants and nurse practitioners would be authorized to treat injured federal workers under a bill being debated in the U.S. House of Representatives. HR 618, by Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Mich., would add… Full Article
an Attorney Can't Seek Fees After Client Settles LHWCA Claim By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 29 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A federal appellate court ruled that the former attorney for a claimant seeking benefits under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act could not seek an award of fees after… Full Article
an Attune Launches EverPeak Insurance on Digital Platform By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 12 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Attune Insurance launched a new workers’ compensation solution, EverPeak Insurance, and started providing coverage to businesses in Arizona and South Carolina. Attune said the work comp product caters to small businesses… Full Article
an DOL Awards $12.7M in Workplace Safety Grants By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 20 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The U.S. Labor Department on Thursday announced that it awarded $12.7 million to 102 nonprofits throughout the country to pay for educational and training initiatives aimed at improving workplace safety. Funds… Full Article
an Rail Company Owes $453,510 to Workers Fired Over Safety Concerns By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 15 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A federal judge ordered CSX Transportation Inc. to pay $453,510 to two railroad workers who were fired after raising workplace safety concerns in 2017. The judge also ordered the company to… Full Article
an Supreme Court Suspends Attorney Who Mishandled Comp Cases By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 08 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Iowa Supreme Court on Friday suspended the license of a Des Moines-area sole practitioner with a long history of discipline involving the mishandling of two workers’ compensation matters. The court… Full Article
an Carrier Not Contributing Assessments to Trust Fund Can Still Get Reimbursements By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 15 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Massachusetts Appeals Court ruled that an insurance company that was not contributing any assessments to the Workers’ Compensation Trust Fund was still eligible for reimbursement for benefits paid to… Full Article
an Worker Can't Sue Over Accident Caused by Colleague in Parking Lot By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 23 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Massachusetts Appeals Court upheld the summary dismissal of a worker’s civil suit against his employer and a colleague who had accidentally struck him with a truck while he was… Full Article
an Split Court Says MMI Finding Isn't Prerequisite to Receive Permanent Disability By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 07 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 A finding that an injured worker is totally incapacitated does not create an entitlement to permanent disability benefits as a matter of law, a split Connecticut Supreme Court said in… Full Article
an Senators Float Classifying Substance Abuse as Occupational Hazard By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 03 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 Two senators in Connecticut announced plans to introduce legislation that would treat substance abuse as an occupational hazard. “If a worker is injured on the job, they receive treatment, but if… Full Article
an Report: Comp Board Claims Candidate Ran Uninsured Business, Owes $52,102 By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 27 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Hartford Courant on Thursday reported that the New York State Workers’ Compensation Board alleges a congressional candidate from Connecticut owes $52,102 in fines and penalties for allegedly operating a… Full Article
an Court Upholds Finding That City Can Offset Benefits for Former Fire Chief By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 09 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Connecticut Appellate Court decided that a city was no longer liable for benefits to its former fire chief under a pension offset and that its appeal regarding benefits, interest and… Full Article
an No Benefits for Poultry Plant Worker's Injuries from Unexplained Fall By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Thu, 30 May 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Virginia Court of Appeals upheld the denial of a poultry processing plant worker’s claim for injuries from an unexplained fall. Case: Gutierrez v. Perdue Farms Inc., No. 0176-23-2, 05/21/2024, unpublished. Facts:… Full Article
an WCC Commissioner Marshall Elected Chairman By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Fri, 05 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission announced that Wesley G. Marshall was elected to a three-year term as chairman, effective Monday. Wesley G. Marshall Marshall succeeds Commissioner Robert A. Rapaport, whose term… Full Article
an Firefighter's Aortic Aneurysm Constitutes Presumptively Compensable Heart Disease By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Tue, 16 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Virginia Court of Appeals upheld a determination that a firefighter with an aortic aneurysm had presumptively occupational heart disease. Case: Hanover County v. Moore, No. 0715-23-2, 07/09/2024, unpublished. Facts: Scott Moore… Full Article
an Independent Contractor Can't Get Benefits for Injuries By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Mon, 12 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Virginia Court of Appeals upheld a denial of benefits to a worker for his injuries from falling from a scaffold, finding he was an independent contractor. Case: Pineda v. Dante… Full Article
an Worker Gets Benefits for Shoulder Injury From Slip and Fall By ww3.workcompcentral.com Published On :: Wed, 14 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0700 The Virginia Court of Appeals upheld a finding that a worker suffered an injury to his shoulder when he slipped and fell on a patch of ice. Case: Uninsured Employer’s Fund… Full Article
