Court Rules Yes and No

• A man, who was injured at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival, appealed his workers’ compensation claim denial.
• John McKeane, was injured while jousting at the festival. The companies, LA Ren Fest, LLC and War Horse Productions, said he was exempt from the workers’ comp statutes and moved for a summary judgment.
• McKeane argued, that the statutes apply to him because he was a farmhand, not merely a performer.
• In an interesting ruling, the justices said the lower court did not err in its ruling in favor of the summary judgment, or its dismissal of McKeane’s claim.
• But they believed the summary judgment should be reversed because War Horse Productions, failed to raise any argument in its defense.
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VA WCC Makes the Grade

• The Virginia Workers’ Compensation Commission not only helps injured workers with benefits, it also runs a top-notch workplace
• VWC reminded workers and employers of the important role it plays in securing benefits. VWC says, its caring treatment of its own employees, guides the mission.
• VWC scored accolades as one of the top workplaces of 2024.
• Despite its good grade, VWC warns that it cannot become complacent regarding workplace compassion.
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Survey: Premium Increases Flat

• Premium increases didn’t change much in the first quarter of 2024, according to a trade association survey.
• Property Casualty premiums increased by 7.7%, up slightly from the previous quarter.
• Workers’ compensation premiums decreased by an average of 1.8%.
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