Florida Pair Sentenced in $37 Million Workers’ Comp Fraud Scheme
- Two Orlando residents were sentenced to federal prison for operating a $37.1 million construction payroll scheme that evaded workers’ compensation premiums.
- The defendants utilized a shell company to facilitate off-the-books hiring for subcontractors.
- This fraudulent arrangement allowed numerous contractors to avoid paying necessary insurance premiums.
- The court ordered full restitution for the unpaid premiums and payroll taxes.
Court Affirms Denial of West Virginia Worker’s Permanent Partial Disability Claim
- The West Virginia Intermediate Court of Appeals affirmed a decision denying permanent partial disability benefits for worker Arthur Casbarro regarding a knee injury.
- Independent medical examiners concluded the injury resulted in no permanent functional or range-of-motion limitations.
- The appellate panel cited substantial evidence to uphold the zero percent impairment rating.
- Consequently, the court deferred to the board’s factual assessment of the medical evidence.
GAO Report Urges Oversight of Operator-Provided Black Lung Medical Benefits
- A new GAO report indicates disabled coal miners face significant challenges securing medical coverage from responsible mine operators.
- The Department of Labor lacks active monitoring of whether private employers are fulfilling mandatory workers’ compensation payouts.
- This gap in oversight leads to administrative delays and leaves workers with uncompensated care.
- The GAO recommends the agency establish strict data collection guidelines to ensure operator compliance.