New York Panel Rejects Bid to Reinstate Workers’ Compensation Award
- On January 7, 2026, the New York Supreme Court, Appellate Division, reviewed a Workers’ Compensation Board decision involving claimant Alex Ryan.
- The Board determined that Ryan was required to show continued attachment to the labor market to remain eligible for benefits.
- It denied his request to reinstate his workers’ compensation award.
- The court considered his appeal of that determination.
Court Upholds Workers’ Comp Denial in Oregon Case
- The Oregon Court of Appeals reviewed a Workers’ Compensation Board order involving claimant Juan Alvarez.
- The Board upheld SAIF Corporation’s “backup denial,” which canceled its earlier decision to accept Alvarez’s claim.
- SAIF argued that the claim would have been affected had Alvarez disclosed certain information.
- The court affirmed the Board’s determination that SAIF met its burden of proof.
States Split on Workers’ Comp Rights for Undocumented Employees
- Undocumented workers may be eligible for workers’ compensation benefits depending on state law.
- Some states expressly include undocumented workers within the definition of “employee,” while others exclude them through statute or case law.
- Employers generally bear the burden of proving a worker’s undocumented status when disputing benefits.
- State‑specific rules determine whether wage‑loss, medical benefits, or modified‑duty obligations apply to these workers.