Southwest Florida business owners could get break on workers’ comp rates

Following the National Council on Compensation Insurance’s proposal for an average 5.7 percent decrease for workers’ comp coverage to take effect January 1, Southwest Florida employers could be in for another cut in workers’ compensation insurance rates. NCCI cited a decline in workers’ comp claims in its petition to reduce rates. Sarasota Herald-Tribune

Attorneys discuss workers’ comp, employer liability, during COVID-19

With companies continuing to reopen for in-person operations amid the pandemic, many employers are wondering if they could face increased liability related to employees contracting COVID-19 in the workplace. Two BakerHostetler attorneys discuss the issue including federal and state legislation. JD Supra

Michigan workers’ comp: Appeals court rules on exclusivity, out of state injury

Where a plaintiff who was injured working on a jobsite in Indiana brought suit against the defendant employer, alleging a violation of Michigan’s Owner Liability Act, the plaintiff’s recovery of workers’ compensation benefits barred his claim against the defendant, an appellate court has ruled. Michigan Lawyers Weekly [may require registration]

Virginia Senate committee tables COVID-19 workers’ comp expansion

In Virginia, where eligibility for workers’ compensation has been a significant concern in multiple industries throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, legislation extending COVID-19-related workers’ compensation coverage to first responders, teachers and health care workers hit a snag on September 9 when a Virginia Senate committee delayed a vote on its version of the bill. In July, the state’s largest school insurer said compensation was unlikely for school employees who contracted COVID-19. First responders have also steadfastly supported the legislation during the pandemic, which has affected multiple police officers and firefighters across the state. Virginia Mercury

North Dakota governor asked to clear workers’ comp for all public school staffers

The state of Minnesota in April enacted a workers’ compensation law that states an employee is presumed to have contracted a workers’ compensation occupational disease if they become ill with COVID-19. In North Dakota, Democratic-NPL candidates are asking the governor to allow the workers’ compensation presumption to all public school staff, such as cafeteria workers, janitors and bus drivers. The governor’s previous workers’ compensation executive orders included first responders, health care workers, funeral directors, among other occupations. The Forum (Fargo, N.M.)

Former employee sues southern Colorado fire district for discrimination

A Colorado fire district is facing a federal discrimination lawsuit filed by a former employee who alleges race, sex and age discrimination that’s allegedly connected to her workers’ compensation claim. Durango Herald