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LexisNexis Work Comp News

NY: WCB Begins Acceptance of Email Filing of WCB Claims DocumentsOpen in a New Window

ALBANY, NY - The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board issued the following memorandum: The Workers' Compensation Board now allows documents related to claims for compensation to be filed with the Board as email attachments. Documents related to non-claims matters may not be fil

 

Award-Winning Risk Managers Share Cite Best Practices in Workers' Comp Risk ManagementOpen in a New Window

The third annual National Underwriter Award For Excellence In Workers’ Compensation Risk Management—sponsored by the National Council on Compensation Insurance—was presented to Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, this year’s award Champion. Also honored were INTEGRIS

 

PwC Says Insurance Industry Is Second Most Fraud-Prone Industry SectorOpen in a New Window

NEW YORK - The insurance industry was the second most fraud-prone industry sector behind communications according to a global economic crime survey released yesterday by PricewaterhouseCoopers. Read more at the National Underwriter

 

CA: Supreme Court Denies Review and Request to Depublish in Voc Rehab CaseOpen in a New Window

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The California Supreme Court on 11/19/2009 has denied the injured worker's petition for review and petition to depublish in Beverly Hilton Hotel v. W.C.A.B. (Boganim), 74 Cal. Comp. Cases 927 , in which the Court of Appeal, Second Appellate District, annulling the WCAB's decisi

 

FLASH! CA: WCAB Issues En Banc on Utilization Review Procedures and Spinal SurgeryOpen in a New Window

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The California Workers' Compensation Appeals Board issued an en banc decision: Jesus Cervantes v. El Aguila Food Products, Inc., Safeco Insurance Co. of Illinois, Superior National Insurance Co., In Liquidation, California Insurance Guarantee Association, and Broadspire

 

NH: State Agencies Join Forces to Prevent Misclassification of WorkersOpen in a New Window

MANCHESTER, NH - As reported in the Union Leader , four state agencies are coordinating efforts to enforce laws to stop the misclassification of workers by businesses as a way to avoid various payroll taxes and the cost of workers' compensation insurance. Access NH Task Force website

 

MT: State Fund Authorizes $2 Million in Dividend PaymentsOpen in a New Window

HELENA, MT - The Montana State Fund board has authorized a $2 million dividend payment to over 15,000 policyholders. Read more at the Missoulian

 

CA: DWC Posts Approved EAMS OCR Forms Vendor ListOpen in a New Window

OAKLAND, CA - A comprehensive testing procedure for vendor-developed optical character recognition (OCR) forms used in the Electronic Adjudication Management System (EAMS) has been completed. The testing, which took place at Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) headquarters in Oakland an

 

IL: Cook County Approves Settlement of Custodian's Workers' Comp Claim for "Toilet Paper Injury"Open in a New Window

COOK COUNTY, IL - The Chicago Sun-Times reports that, in a settlement reached Wednesday, "Cook County taxpayers will write a $14,022 check to a custodian who claims she twice injured her back by 'reaching around to pick up a piece of toilet paper'." County Commissioner Bridget Gain

 

US DoL Welcomes GAO's Report on Under-Reporting of Workplace Injuries and IllnessesOpen in a New Window

WASHINGTON - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) welcomes the Government Accountability Office's (GAO) report on the under-reporting of workplace injuries and illnesses and OSHA's audit process. The report identifies a number of factors that may co

 

HI: AIG Hawaii to Become Farmers Insurance Hawaii Effective 1/1/2010Open in a New Window

HONOLULU, HI - The Honolulu Star-Bulletin reports that, effective January 1, 2010, AIG Hawaii Insurance Co. will roll out its new name and logo as Farmers Insurance Hawaii Inc., reflecting its new ownership and distancing itself from its former parent AIG. Farmers Insurance Hawaii Inc.

 

TX: State Senator Hegar Formally Begins Tenure as Chair of Sunset Advisory CommitteeOpen in a New Window

AUSTIN, TX - On Tuesday, State Senator Glenn Hegar (R-Katy) began his tenure as chair of the Sunset Advisory Committee, which will review 28 state agencies, including the Texas Department of Insurance and the Texas Division of Workers' Compensation, during the next year and a h

 

CA: Zenith Files for 2.7% Rate Increase Effective 1/1/2010Open in a New Window

WOODLAND HILLS, CA - Zenith Insurance Company has filed for an average increase of 2.7% in workers' compensation rates effective January 1, 2010. Read more

 

CA: LAO Report Says State's Fiscal Outlook for 2010-2011 Impacted by State's Inability to Sell State FundOpen in a New Window

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Legislative Analyst Office has released a report on California's 2010-2011 fiscal budget, finding that the vast majority of new budget problems it identified for 2009-2010 can be attributed to the state's inability to implement several major solutions in the July 2009 budget pl

 

CA: CAAA President Says Tens of Thousands of California Work Injuries Unreported Each YearOpen in a New Window

SACRAMENTO, CA - Adam Dombchik, President of the California Applicants' Attorneys Association, says that the new U.S. Government Accountability Office report finding that on-the-job injuries often go unreported likely means that tens of thousands of California work injuries go unreported each year.

 

WV: Lawmakers Debate Workers' Comp Changes at Public HearingOpen in a New Window

CHARLESTON, WV - As reported in The Charleston-Gazette , the Legislature's Joint Judiciary Committee held a hearing on Tuesday evening to discuss how an increasing number of injured workers are unable to obtain medical treatment under new state rules created after a 2005 law privatized the state's

 

A.M. Best Affirms Ratings of Employers Holdings, Inc. and Its SubsidiariesOpen in a New Window

RENO, NV - Employers Holdings, Inc., a holding company with subsidiaries that are specialty providers of workers' compensation insurance and services, has announced insurance rating bureau A.M. Best has affirmed the financial strength rating of A- (Excellent) and issuer credit ratings (ICR) of &quo

 

NE: Overseas Hackers Suspected in Breach of Computer Server at Workers' Compensation CourtOpen in a New Window

OMAHA, NE - The Omaha World-Herald reports that overseas computer hackers are the main suspects in the breach of a computer server last week at the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court.

 

FL DWC Includes Changes To WC Medical Service Draft RuleOpen in a New Window

Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - A Notice of Change for Rule 69L-7.602, Florida Administrative Code, was published. The rule, titled the Florida Workers' Compensation Medical Services, Billing, Filing and Reporting Rule, includes changes that have been made to address concerns expressed at the pu

 

OSHA Issues Final Rule Revises Acetylene StandardOpen in a New Window

Washington, DC (CompNewsNetwork) - The U.S. Department of Labor's Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has revised its acetylene standard. A final rule replaces references to outdated industry standards with updated references reflecting current industry practices. "T

 

MT: Was State Supreme Court's Decision Correct in Liberty vs. MSF?Open in a New Window

Helena, MT (CompNewsNetwork) - In the Supreme Court of Montana, Liberty Northwest Insurance Corporation (Liberty) appeals from a decision of the Montana Workers’ Compensation Court (WCC) finding it liable for the low-back condition of Gary Mitchell (Mitchell). The Montana Supreme Court affirm.

 

GAO Says Enhancing OSHA’s Records Audit Process Could Improve Accuracy of Worker Injury and Illness DataOpen in a New Window

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Government Accountability Office released a report Monday calling into question workplace injury and illness data compiled by OSHA each year. The GAO’s summary states in pertinent part: DOL verifies some of the workplace injury and illness data it collects f

 

TX Medical Board Disciplines 75 Doctors And Issues 669 LicensesOpen in a New Window

Dallas, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - Since its August 20-21 board meeting, the Texas Medical Board has taken disciplinary action against 75 licensed physicians. The actions included 21 violations based on quality of care; 12 actions based on unprofessional conduct; three nontherapeutic prescr

 

Ingenix Corrects Fee Schedules ErrorOpen in a New Window

Chicago, IL (CompNewsNetwork) - In September, Ingenix has posted new rates for the 2009 anesthesia fee schedule. Instead of applying the 2009 increase of 5.37% to the 2008 rates, it erroneously applied it to the 2007 rates. On average, the conversion was miscalculated by -$1.79 per unit. Ea

 

NC’s Injury And Illness Rate Drops To New LowOpen in a New Window

Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - North Carolina’s private industry continues to improve its injury and illness rate due in large part to efforts statewide to implement stronger workplace safety and health programs. The 2008 annual nonfatal injury and illness rate dropped from 3.7 in 2007 to 3.4

 

CA: Insurance Commissioner Announces San Diego Woman Sentenced In Felony Grand Theft CaseOpen in a New Window

SACRAMENTO, CA - Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today announced that Louise May Batchelor, 55, of San Diego was sentenced Nov. 6 to 365 days of work furlough, five years probation and ordered to pay restitution totaling $24,375 to four victims after pleading guilty to two felo

 

Ban on Misuse of Genetic Testing by Employers Takes Effect 11/21/2009Open in a New Window

As reported in The New York Times , the Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) takes effect Nov. 21 for all employers with 15 or more employees. The act also applies to group health insurers whose plan years begin on or after Dec. 7, but does not apply to life insurers. The act already t

 

OR: Conflicting State and Federal Law on Medical Marijuana Create Confusion for Workplace Alcohol and Drug PoliciesOpen in a New Window

Oregon - As reported in the Ashland Daily Tidings , attorney Paula Barran recently told a gathering of The Chamber of Medford/Jackson County that the conflicts in state and federal laws on the medical marijuana issue have made it difficult for employers in Oregon to articulate and enforce workplac

 

WY: Legislative Committee to Vote on Controversial Bill Regarding Negligence of Oil and Gas OperatorsOpen in a New Window

CASPER, WY - As reported in the Billings-Gazette , on Monday the Joint Judiciary Committee will vote on a controversial bill called "Duty owed to employees of independent contractors", which supporters say would make oil and gas operators accountable for their portion of negligence,

 

WV: Lawmakers to Revisit 2005 Reforms Denying Legal Representation for Injured WorkersOpen in a New Window

CHARLESTON, WV - As reported in the Gazette-Mail , on Tuesday the the Joint Senate-House Judiciary Subcommittee plans to discuss why injured workers are unable to hire lawyers to represent them when insurance companies deny them workers' compensation benefits to seek medical care.

 

CO: Pinnacol Assurance Board Takes Positions on Interim Committee BillsOpen in a New Window

DENVER, CO - The Pinnacol Assurance Board of Directors has voted to support two and oppose five of the bills recommended by the Interim Committee Studying Issues Related to Pinnacol Assurance. The announcement was made by Gary Johnson, Pinnacol’s board chair. The board will support the

 

OR DCBS's Interactive Report OnlineOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services has updated a new interactive report provides descriptions of workplace fatalities covered by Oregon workers' compensation system and allows the user to select fatalities by industry, event of injury

 

OR Releases Insurer Notice Regarding the EAIPOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon's Workers’ Compensation Division recently investigated an insurer for failure to notify employers and injured workers about the Employer-at-Injury Program (EAIP) as required in Oregon Administrative Rule (OAR) 436-105-0500. EAIP offers Ore

 

OR Posts Insurer Notice Regarding Non-Disabling Claims ReimbursementOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon's Workers’ Compensation Division recently investigated an insurer for its failure to notify employer policyholders about the option to reimburse the insurer for medical service costs on non-disabling claims. This notification is requir

 

AZ: ADOSH to Improve Inspections Of WorkplacesOpen in a New Window

Phoenix, AZ (CompNewsNetwork) - The Arizona Division of Occupational Safety and Health (ADOSH) is given the responsibility to enforce the requirements of the Arizona Occupational Safety and Health Act. This includes enforcement of the requirements that employers comply with OSHA standards and regula

 

NY: WCB Says It Won’t Approve Medicare Hold Harmless Language in Section 32 AgreementsOpen in a New Window

ALBANY, NY - The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board released this statement as part of Subject Number 046-372 : The Board has been asked about the use of indemnification or hold harmless provisions in Section 32 agreements to protect a carrier or employer from liability for Med

 

Marsh & McLennan Reaches $400 Million Settlement With Ohio and New Jersey Pension FundsOpen in a New Window

COLUMBUS, OH - Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray today announced a $400 million settlement in the class action securities lawsuit against Marsh & McLennan Companies, Inc., Marsh Inc., and former company executives Jeffrey Greenberg and Roger Egan (collectively “Marsh”). The sett

 

GA: Liquidated Workers' Comp Insurer Terminated Its Reinsurance at Expense of Seriously Injured WorkersOpen in a New Window

ATLANTA, GA - Georgia Public Broadcasting reports that at the end of 2007, the now liquidated Southeastern U.S. Insurance Co. (SEUS) terminated its multimillion dollar reinsurance policy covering clients that had been seriously injured on the job. SEUS's contract with Imagine Reinsurance

 

Expert Says Health Care Reform Bill Is 'Trial Lawyer's Dream', Could Impact P/C IndustryOpen in a New Window

NEW YORK, NY - As reported by the National Underwriter , Robert Hartwig, the President of the Insurance Information Institute, gave a presentation at this week's National Underwriter/Ernst & Young 21st Annual Executive Conference for the Property and Casualty Industry, in which he s

 

CA: State Fund Announces Pandemic Planning Seminar SeriesOpen in a New Window

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - In response to recent fears of the H1N1 influenza and a possible pandemic, State Fund has partnered with UC Berkeley's Center for Infectious Disease and Emergency Readiness to offer a series of free seminars statewide helping employers protect their workforces and business opera

 

CA: Noted Orthopedic Surgeon and Founder of One of the Largest PPOs for Workers' Compensation DiesOpen in a New Window

PALOS VERDES, CA - Dr. Max Negri, a noted orthopedic surgeon who specialized in spinal surgery, died Tuesday. Fron 1959 to 1989, Dr. Negri performed extensive clinical research regarding chymopapain lumbar injections and worked closely with radiologists in Torrance on landmark multiplanar diag

 

Philadelphia Newspapers Seeks to Avoid Workers' Comp ObligationsOpen in a New Window

As reported in WSJ Blogs , Philadelphia Newspapers LLC, which bought the Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News from McClatchy Co. in 2006, is seeking approval from the bankruptcy court to cancel a portion of its purchase agreement with McClatchy that would require it to pay workers' compensati

 

DE: DCRB Revised Form For Executive Officers/LLC MembersOpen in a New Window

Philadelphia, PA (CompNewsNetwork) - The Delaware Compensation Rating Bureau published a revised “Agreement By Executive Officer(s)/LLC Member(s) Not To Be Subject To The Delaware Workers’ Compensation Law,” as approved by the Department of Insurance, is effectiv

 

MO DoL Corrected Issues With Docketing SystemOpen in a New Window

Jefferson City, MO (CompNewsNetwork) - The Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations Division recently experienced some technical difficulties with the computer generated letters from their docketing system…[ read more ]

 

IL: IWCC Posts 2010 Arbitration CalendarsOpen in a New Window

Chicago, IL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission posted the 2010 arbitration calendars. The Commission calendar will be posted in mid-November. NOTE! The Springfield office moved to the Regional Office Building, 4500 S. Sixth St. Frontage Road, Springfield,

 

CA: Injured Worker Files Reply to State Fund's Appeal of Almaraz-Guzman II En Banc DecisionOpen in a New Window

FRESNO, CA - The State Compensation Insurance Fund filed a petition for writ of review of the Almaraz-Guzman II en banc decision on 10/19/2009 with the California Court of Appeal, Fifth Appellate District. The attorney for Mario Almaraz filed an answer on 11/5/2009. See court d

 

CA: Injured Worker Files Reply to Milpitas School District's Appeal of Almaraz-Guzman II En Banc DecisionOpen in a New Window

SAN JOSE, CA - Milpitas Unified School Districtt filed a petition for writ of review of the Almaraz-Guzman II en banc decision on 10/16/2009 with the California Court of Appeal, Sixth Appellate District. The attorney for Joyce Guzman filed an answer on 11/10/2009. See court doc

 

TX: TRA Earns $2.9M Texas Mutual Dividend, New Policyholders Earn Share of $75M Texas Mutual Dividend PayoutOpen in a New Window

AUSTIN, TX - Texas Mutual Insurance Company, the state’s leading provider of workers’ compensation insurance, announced a $2,944,577 dividend to the Texas Restaurant Association (TRA) purchasing group today. TRA has earned $13,815,630 in workers’ compensation dividends since

 

LA: Claims for Gradual Hearing Loss Not Barred by Workers’ Comp ActOpen in a New Window

MONROE, LA - Baron & Budd, P.C. attorneys recently won rulings that workers’ claims against their employers for gradual hearing loss are not barred by Louisiana ’s Workers’ Compensation Act (LWCA). The courts ruled that, while hearing loss from a single traumatic ev

 

OR-OSHA Reports UpdateOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The "Top 25 Violations" reports for calendar year 2008 show Oregon or Federal safety standards most often cited by OR-OSHA enforcement staff during workplace inspections. The reports provide a short description of each safety standard

 

OR IMD Published 2008 Defense Legal Costs Of Oregon WC Insurers' ReportOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services' Information Management Division released the 2008 Defense Legal Costs Of Oregon Workers' Compensation Insurers' Report. The data are given by insurer class (SAIF, private insurer, and self-insured employer) a

 

NC: NCRB Adopts Changes to Retrospective Rating Plan ParametersOpen in a New Window

Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - The North Carolina Rate Bureau has adopted and the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance has approved changes to the Retrospective Rating Plan Parameters. This filing withdraws the four-hazard group system and updates the state hazard group rel

 

NC: NCRB Adopts Excess Loss FactorsOpen in a New Window

Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - The North Carolina Rate Bureau has adopted and the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance has approved changes to the Retrospective Rating Plan table for Excess Loss Factors. The Retrospective Rating Plan contains an optional provision—an in

 

U.S. Senator, Banking Committee Democrats Unveil Comprehensive Financial Reform and Insurance RegulationOpen in a New Window

WASHINGTON, D.C. - As reported in the National Underwriter , Senator Christopher Dodd (D-Conn), the chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, has unveiled an omnibus financial bill titled "Restoring American Financial Stability", which calls for a study of ways to modernize ins

 

TN: Attorney General Renders Opinion on New Law for Sole Proprietors and Workers' Comp CoverageOpen in a New Window

NASHVILLE, TN - The State Attorney General recently issued its opinion interpreting the 2008 legislative changes to Tenn. Code Ann. § 50-6-113, effective 12-31-2009. The Attorney General said that, under the new law, a sole proprietor with employees is required to carry workers' compensation i

 

IRS Says FedEx Ground Won't Be Assessed Tax or Penalty for Independent Contractors 2004-2006Open in a New Window

MEMPHIS, TN - FedEx has announced that the IRS audit team will not be assessing any tax or penalty to any of FedEx Ground independent contractors for the Years 2004-2006. The IRS audit team is still reviewing Years 2007-2008. Read more at Logistics Management

 

CA: CASE Files Reply to Governor in Furlough FightOpen in a New Window

ALAMEDA COUNTY, CA - California Attorneys, Administrative Law Judges and Hearing Officers in State Employment (CASE) has filed its reply to the Governor's argument that employees paid with money outside of the general fund should be furloughed and that the policy has not hurt government servic

 

CA: SCIF Files for 5% Workers' Comp Rate IncreaseOpen in a New Window

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - The State Compensation Insurance Fund said Tuesday that it has filed for a five percent rate increase effective 1/1/2010. Source: Sacramento Business Journal

 

CA: Governor Schwarzenegger Issues Statement on Decision to Reject Workers’ Comp Rate IncreaseOpen in a New Window

SACRAMENTO, CA - Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today issued a statement after Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner rejected a second request by the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Bureau to increase the Worker’s Compensation Claims Cost Benchmark which would have negatively affected Ca

 

NC: NCRB Releases WC Loss Costs FilingOpen in a New Window

Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - A loss costs reference filing has been filed with and approved by the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance to become effective April 1, 2010. The approved prospective loss costs are based on historical data that have been developed and trended to their

 

NC: NCRB Posts WC Residual Market Rate FilingOpen in a New Window

Raleigh, NC (CompNewsNetwork) - A September 1, 2009 filing was submitted to the North Carolina Commissioner of Insurance that proposed revised workers compensation insurance residual market rates, rating values and miscellaneous values. The filing proposed an average rate level increase

 

OR DCBS Determines 2008 WC Claims Cost TablesOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Service has posted the 2008 Claims cost tables . Claim costs tables provide average cost and time loss days for accepted disabling claims by resolution year (year of latest claim closure or claim disposition agreeme

 

OR DCBS Publishes 2008 Accepted Disabling Claims Rates ReportOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The 2008 report of accepted disabling claims rates is available on the web . The report shows the number of accepted disabling claims, workers’ compensation covered employment, and claims rates per 100 workers for each major industry over a five year p

 

OR CFOI Releases 2008 Census Of Fatal Occupational InjuriesOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - Census of Fatal Occupational Injuries (CFOI) is a federal program sponsored by the Bureau of Labor Statistics that compiles counts of all fatal work injuries in the U.S. each calendar year. Oregon CFOI tracks all fatal occupational injuries that occur within th

 

PA: City Council Agrees to $5 Million Settlement With Estate of Slain Police OfficerOpen in a New Window

EASTON, PA - As reported in The Express-Times , the Easton City Council has agreed to a $5 million settlement with the estate of Jesse Sollman, a police officer who was accidentally shot and killed by a fellow officer inside police headquarters. The insurer for the city had refused to co

 

GA: CEO Received $10 Million Loan Before Liquidation of Workers' Comp InsurerOpen in a New Window

ATLANTA, GA - State officials began investigating Southeastern United Insurance Company (SEUS), the eighth largest workers’ compensation insurer in Georgia, after CEO Clark Fain received a loan from his company for more than $10 million. On November 26, SEUS customers will lose thei

 

TN: Judge Rules GM Waived Caps on Damages in Employee's Workers' Comp LawsuitOpen in a New Window

MARSHALL COUNTY, TN - A Circuit Court judge has ruled in favor of a local GM employee, holding that the employee was entitled to greater damages than normally allowed under state law because of the way GM had been structured post-bankruptcy. The state law in question caps a company's damages

 

CA: WCIRB Issues Statement Regarding Insurance Commissioner’s Rejection of Rate ChangeOpen in a New Window

SAN FRANCISCO, CA - On August 18, 2009, the WCIRB submitted a pure premium rate filing to the California Insurance Commissioner recommending a 22.8% increase in advisory pure premium rates ("claims cost benchmark") with respect to new and renewal policies as of the first anniversary ratin

 

CA: Insurance Commissioner Again Denies Request to Increase Workers' Comp Claims Cost BenchmarkOpen in a New Window

SACRAMENTO, CA - Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner today declined a second consecutive request by the Workers Compensation Insurance Bureau (WCIRB) to increase the Workers' Compensation Claims Cost Benchmark. "One in eight Californians is unemployed," said Commissioner Poizner. &qu

 

CT IC Approves Advisory Loss Costs And Assigned Risk RatesOpen in a New Window

Hartford, CT (CompNewsNetwork) - Thomas R. Sullivan, the Insurance Commissioner of Connecticut, approved the findings and recommendations of Thomas J. Taggart, for change in Advisory Loss Costs and a Change in Assigned Risk Rates for Workers' Compensation Insurance: A. The 4.6% for

 

FL DWC Updates FAQsOpen in a New Window

Tallahassee, FL (CompNewsNetwork) - The Florida Division of Workers' Compensation has updated its list of frequently-asked-questions and answers for injured workers. The FAQs explain dates or timetables instrumental to the injured workers. Listed below is an excerpt from the FAQs: Q. My e

 

TX 2008 Rate Of Nonfatal Occupational Injuries And Illnesses DeclinedOpen in a New Window

Austin, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - Private industry workplaces in Texas reported a total of 234,559 nonfatal injuries and illnesses during 2008. The incidence rate of 3.1 cases per 100 equivalent full-time workers marks the sixth consecutive year that the incidence rate has dropped. The rate for 2008 is

 

Vandervalk Vs. MT State FundOpen in a New Window

Helena, MT (CompNewsNetwork) - Kurt Vandervalk argued that one of his settled workers’ compensation claims should be reopened and that he should receive wage-loss and vocational rehabilitation benefits. Kurt believes that his usage of Vioxx for his carpal tunnel syndrome caused him to

 

DC: Federal District Court Enjoins OALJ From Using Initials to Identify Parties in Longshore and Black Lung CasesOpen in a New Window

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A Federal District Court has enjoined the Office of Administrative Law Judges from using only initials on black lung and longshore decisions. The decision does not specifically apply to the Benefits Review Board. Nonetheless, the Benefits Review Board has determined that it

 

Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp Announces 3Q 2009 Earnings and Increased Quarterly DividendOpen in a New Window

FREMONT, MI - Fremont Michigan InsuraCorp, Inc. (Fremont) (OTCBB: FMMH) today reported financial results for the quarter and nine months ended September 30, 2009 and announced that it is increasing its quarterly cash dividend. -- Net income of $.82 per diluted share in third quarter / Net i

 

Crawford & Company Reports Improvement in Net Income for 3Q 2009Open in a New Window

ATLANTA, GA - Crawford & Company ( www.crawfordandcompany.com ), the world’s largest independent provider of claims management solutions to insurance companies and self-insured entities, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. Third qua

 

Fraud Investigators Face Lose-Lose Situation in Battle Against Workers' Comp FraudOpen in a New Window

According to the Coalition Against Insurance Fraud, roughly two-thirds of state fraud bureaus have been subjected to budget cuts and/or hiring freezes, making it more diffcult to investigate insurance fraud, this during a time when fraud has increased. Source: Business Insurance

 

CO: Pinnacol Spokesman Says Proposed Bills Will Have Negative Impact on State BusinessesOpen in a New Window

FORT COLLINS, CO - Daniel O'Neil, an attorney for Pinnacol Assurance, the state's largest workers' compensation provider, said Friday that seven bills proposed by an interim committee of the Colorado Assembly will threaten Pinnacol's ability to effectively provide workers' compensation se

 

WA: New England Journal of Medicine Says Innovative State Program Improves Medical Care, Saves Millions of DollarsOpen in a New Window

TUMWATER, WA – The newest edition of the New England Journal of Medicine brings national attention to a unique program in Washington state that protects citizens from unproven medical procedures and devices while saving $21 million per year. Co-authored by Dr. Gary Franklin

 

CA: Former Insurance Commissioner Garamendi Elected to CongressOpen in a New Window

California - John Garamendi, California’s lieutenant governor and former insurance commissioner, won Northern California’s 10th Congressional District special election with 53% of the vote, and was officially sworn in as a member of Congress Nov. 5. Source: Insurance &am

 

CA: Leaked CHSWC Documents ExplainedOpen in a New Window

Oakland, CA (CompNewsNetwork) - A group of employer representatives led by Sean McNally, of Grimmway Farms, and a group of labor leaders led by Angie Wei, of the California Labor Federation, held meetings together and separate conversations within each group from May, 2009 through August, 2009. T

 

AIG Posts $455 Million Net Income in 3Q 2009Open in a New Window

NEW YORK - AIG, citing the stability of certain of its units and a rise in value of its investments, reported net income of $455 million. Third quarter 2009 adjusted net income was $1.9 billion. In comparison, third quarter 2008 adjusted net loss was $9.2 billion. Source: Insurance Journal

 

FL: CFO Sink Saves 85 Jobs With Transition Plan for Ascendant Commercial InsuranceOpen in a New Window

HIALEAH, FL – Florida CFO Alex Sink visited Ascendant Commercial Insurance in Hialeah, where her efforts last month helped keep over 85 local residents employed after the court liquidated their former employer. CFO Sink’s effort to keep these jobs prevented a drain of an estimated $7 mi

 

CRM Holdings Announces 3Q 2009 ResultsOpen in a New Window

HAMILTON, BERMUDA - CRM Holdings, Ltd. ("CRM" or "the Company"), a provider of a full range of products and services for the workers' compensation insurance industry, today announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. In the third quarter of 2009, the Comp

 

AMERISAFE, Inc. Announces 3Q 2009 ResultsOpen in a New Window

DERIDDER, LA - AMERISAFE, Inc., a specialty provider of high hazard workers' compensation insurance, announced results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2009. Net income in the third quarter of 2009 was $15.1 million compared to net income of $13.4 million in the 2008 third quarter, an

 

Eastern Insurance Holdings Announces 3Q 2009 ResultsOpen in a New Window

LANCASTER, PA - Eastern Insurance Holdings, Inc. reported earnings for the three months ending September 30, 2009. Eastern reported net income of $3.3 million, or $0.36 per diluted share, for the third quarter of 2009, compared to a net loss of $3.1 million, or $0.34 per diluted share, for the

 

FLASH! CA: CHSWC Posts Papers Related to Permanent Disability NegotiationsOpen in a New Window

OAKLAND, CA - The Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation has posted papers related to negotiations with labor and employer groups and others to revise permanent disability rates and reduce costs. Memo to Comissioners November 2009 CHSWC Staff Estimates for Labo

 

OR Medical Advisory Committee Evaluation of AMA Guides 6th EditionOpen in a New Window

Portland, OR (CompNewsNetwork) - The Oregon Medical Advisory Committee evaluated the AMA Guides, 6th Edition. The AMA Guides is based on 2001 WHO ICF and is already required by US DOL for FECA, Energy Employees, and Longshoreclaims and many other state jurisdictions. The findings are as followed

 

CA: DWC’s Amended Health Care Organization Regulations Approved By Office of Administrative LawOpen in a New Window

OAKLAND, CA – The Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has amended its regulations on health care organizations (HCOs) as another part of its 12-point plan to control medical costs in California ’s workers’ compensation system. The 12-point plan includes regulations re

 

MI: Supreme Court to Decide Case Where Tax Records Used to Deny Comp BenefitsOpen in a New Window

Lansing, MI (CompNewsNetwork) - The Court hears arguments in the appeal of Loos v J.B. Installed Sales, Inc., et al. on Wednesday afternoon. The income tax records of plaintiff James A. Loos, Jr. show that he was paid by Robinson Roofing as a non-employee. Relying on these records, the work

 

KY Gov. Acts to Enhance Mine SafetyOpen in a New Window

Frankfort, KY (CompNewsNetwork) - Gov. Steve Beshear today announced that he has approved an increase in the number of mine inspectors and the number of mining permit reviewers in the Energy and Environment Cabinet. Speaking with miners and local officials at three stops in eastern Kentucky today

 

TX Determined Adjusted Gross Annual Payroll Requirements for Seasonal WorkersOpen in a New Window

Houston, TX (CompNewsNetwork) - The Texas Department of Insurance, Division of Workers' Compensation has determined, pursuant to the authority and direction given under the Texas Workers' Compensation Act (Texas Labor Code, Section 406.162), the adjusted annual payroll requirement of an employer fo

 

DC: OSHA Expert Files Whistleblower Complaint With U.S. Merit Systems Protection BoardOpen in a New Window

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Occupational Safety & Health Administration’s top expert and foremost critic on workplace injury and illness records was pushed out of his job illegally, according to legal pleadings filed today by Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). For n

 

MT: Supreme Court Upholds Law to Terminate Workers' Comp Benefits When Injured Worker RetiresOpen in a New Window

HELENA, MT - The Montana Supreme Court, in a 5-2 ruling, upheld a state law that allows workers' compensation benefits to be cut off when the injured worker is considered "retired". Read more at The Missoulian . . . Read the case

 

SD DOL Publishes 2009 Annual ReportOpen in a New Window

Pierre, SD (CompNewsNetwork) - The South Dakota Department of Labor's Workers' Compensation Advisory Council recently published the 2009 Annual Report. Here are some highlights: The base premium rates for 2009-10 increased an average of 3.5% in the voluntary market. The involuntary or "

 

OH BWC BoD Tackles Busy AgendaOpen in a New Window

Columbus, OH (CompNewsNetwork) - The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) Board of Directors today streamlined rules related to medical coverage, hired an investment manager and reduced the credibility table which is used to determine the maximum discount for group-rated employers. Th

 

CA: Governor Signs Bill to Penalize Uninsured EmployersOpen in a New Window

SACRAMENTO, CA - The Governor has signed legislation to amend Calif. Labor Code § 3722 to provide that an uninsured employer is subject to a penalty assessment by the Director of Industrial Relations consisting of the greater of (1) twice the amount the employer would have paid in workers

 

CO: Insurance Commissioner Approves 9.7% Decrease in Loss Costs RateOpen in a New Window

DENVER, CO - The Colorado Division of Insurance has issued an order approving NCCI's request for an average decrease of 9.7% in workers' compensation loss costs and rating values effective January 1, 2010. Read the Order Source: Colorado Division of Insurance

 

NY: WCB Vacates $168,000 Judgment Against Former Small Business Owner for Not Offering Mandatory InsuranceOpen in a New Window

SYRACUSE, NY - The New York State Workers' Compensation Board has vacated a $168,000 fine against Bill Davis, whose body shop closed down in 1995, for not offering mandatory insurance. Source: WYSR

 

CA: Labor Commissioner Levies Nearly $1 Million in Citations During Statewide Enforcement of Carwash IndustryOpen in a New Window

SAN FRANCISCO , CA - I nvestigators from the California Labor Commissioner’s Office issued over $900,000 in fines to businesses in the car wash industry in a two day statewide enforcement sweep. The penalties included a total of $600,900 issued to 76 unlicensed carwash businesses that wer

 

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Calendar of Events

12/10/2009
The 15th Annual Worker's Compensation Holiday Conference

1/15/2010
Board Certification #7 & #8 Orlando

4/14/2010 » 4/16/2010
2010 Florida Bar Workers' Compensation Forum

6/6/2010 » 6/9/2010
19th Annual Claims Management & Leadership Conference - Hammock Beach Resort, Palm Coast, FL

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