Flash: COVID Presumption Signed – Effective Immediately
Most of California’s workplaces are now covered by a new workplace presumption for COVID-19 cases. Who is covered and what are employers responsibilities? Get the details here. Workers’ Comp Executive
California: L.A. County sheriff’s deputy charged with workers’ comp fraud
A 47-year-old Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy, who had been assigned to custody services at the Twin Towers Correctional Facility, reportedly the world’s largest jail, is facing charges after allegedly filing a false workplace injury claim to collect workers’ compensation. If convicted of the charge, he could face up to five years in county jail. KTLA (Los Angeles)
California: Military contractors convicted of $2M insurance, tax fraud scheme
Two military contractors, who had been hired for work at Fort Hunter Liggett in Monterey County, California have been convicted of $2 million in insurance and tax fraud scheme, according to the Monterey County District Attorney. When an employee was injured on the job, one of the defendants told them to tell accident investigators it did not happen at work, and later admitted to not having workers’ compensation insurance. KSBW (Monterey, Calif.)
Workers’ comp rates to fall again in New Hampshire
The National Council on Compensation Insurance reports losses have gone down by 1.8 percent, on average, in New Hampshire, a figure approved by the state’s Insurance Department. Losses have been declining in New Hampshire: they fell by 9.6 percent in voluntary loss cases, 14 percent the year before that and 13.3 percent the year prior. New Hampshire Business Review
$3M in counterfeit N95 masks from China seized in Chicago
The U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced Monday that it had seized 500,000 counterfeit N95 masks in Chicago in a shipment from China last week. An appraisal estimated the domestic value of the masks to be more than $3 million. According to CBP, various groups have tried to distribute counterfeit safety equipment, COVID-19 test kits and hygiene products. WKRG (Mobile, Ala.)
New Colorado law allows workers’ comp for 911 dispatchers
A legal loophole that prevented 911 operators and dispatchers in Colorado from receiving workers’ compensation for trauma they experience on the job was officially closed on September 14. The Workers’ Compensation For Audible Psychological Trauma bill grants workers’ compensation protections for those who witness trauma, both audibly and visually, in their jobs. CBS Denver [with video]
Ohio man charged with workers’ compensation fraud
A 60-year-old Pataskala, Ohio man has been charged with two counts of workers’ compensation fraud for allegedly improperly receiving benefits to which he was not entitled. Newark Advocate
Washington L&I proposes keeping workers’ comp rates unchanged
The Washington Department of Labor and Industries is proposing freezing workers’ compensation rates at 2020 levels, the first time in 20 years the agency has not increased rates. Washington Policy Center
New law in New Jersey predicted to have significant impact on workers’ comp claims
On September 14, New Jersey Senate Bill S2380 was signed into law creating a rebuttable presumption for the compensability of workers’ compensation claims for essential workers who contract COVID-19. This law also shifts the burden of proof to employers to prove that the essential employee, as defined in law, did not contract the virus during the performance of his or her job duties, writes attorney Mark Spivak of Chartwell Law. JD Supra
Florida employers’ workers’ comp costs may decrease next year
Florida insurance regulators have received a rate filing that would reduce premiums next year in the workers’ compensation system by an average of 5.7 percent, which would be the fourth straight year of premium decreases, according to information released September 1. Fort Myers Florida Weekly