Maryland Expands Workers’ Comp Presumptions for Firefighters The Maryland General Assembly passed HB 347 in 2026, broadening hypertension-related legal presumptions for paid fire and rescue employees.  This statutory update creates a presumption of compensability and disablement for diagnosed emergency personnel.  Consequently, state courts have shifted the burden of proof, making it difficult for employers to […]

Springfield Businessman Charged With Workers’ Comp Fraud Missouri prosecutors have filed new misdemeanor charges against businessman Michael Felts for failing to obtain required workers’ compensation insurance for employees at his former restaurants, Taco Habitat and Hot Cluckers.  The businesses were reportedly noncompliant for over 130 days during 2022, according to the charges.  A workplace injury […]

Dalton Insurance Agent Arrested For Fake Workers’ Compensation Scheme Former Georgia insurance agent Lucy Margarita Suarez was arrested on felony fraud charges for allegedly selling fake workers’ compensation policies.  Operating through EliteOne Solutions, Suarez is accused of pocketing thousands in premiums rather than securing valid coverage.  She allegedly issued fraudulent certificates, leaving local businesses uninsured […]

Former Brown University Police Chief Settles Workers’ Compensation Claim Former Brown University campus police chief Rodney Chatman reached a settlement resolving a contested workers’ compensation injury claim.  A judge originally rejected Chatman’s claim because he failed to prove his injury occurred during his employment.  The subsequent court-approved settlement awards Chatman an undisclosed sum of money […]

Norfolk Council Approves $124,900 Workers’ Compensation Settlement The Norfolk City Council approved a $124,900 workers’ compensation settlement with former Fire Division employee Kevin Armbruster.  Armbruster alleged injuries to his extremities, back, and mental health caused by an ambulance incident.  The incident occurred when an ambulance swerved or struck a curb.  This agreement releases the city […]

Bipartisan Bill Aims to Reform Federal Workers’ Comp for Toxic Burn Pit Exposure A new bipartisan bill seeks to ease the burden on civilian federal employees seeking workers’ compensation for toxic burn pit exposure.  Currently, injured civilians must prove a direct link between their illnesses and operational toxic exposure to receive benefits.  The proposed law […]

State Warns Against Workers’ Comp Fraud Schemes The North Carolina Industrial Commission issued a warning about a fraudulent scheme targeting workers’ compensation claimants across the state.  These scams use impersonated professionals and fake hearings to steal money from injured workers.  The fraud actively targets Spanish-speaking residents through phone calls, social media, text messages, or emails.  […]

Appeals Court Orders Staffing Firm to Continue 22-Year-Old Workers’ Comp Payments The Oregon Court of Appeals affirmed that InteliStaf Healthcare must continue paying for a worker’s chronic back pain treatment.  The employer argued the ongoing care was not causally related to a 2004 workplace injury.  However, the Workers’ Compensation Board reversed an earlier denial, validating […]

FedEx Wins Workers’ Comp Appeal After Employee Misses 15-Day Notice Deadline The Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Appeals Board ruled in favor of Federal Express Corp. by denying medical benefits to an injured employee.  The materials handler sought coverage for a back and leg injury sustained while moving heavy mail bags.  However, the claimant failed to provide […]

NY Small Businesses Earn Workers’ Comp Premium Credits for Heat Safety PPE The New York State Insurance Fund announced a new premium credit program for small businesses investing in heat-injury prevention gear.  Eligible employers can receive up to a ten percent credit on their workers’ compensation policies for purchasing qualifying equipment.  This financial incentive aims […]