Local Government Digs into Workers’ Comp

• Colorado Springs officials are giving workers’ compensation regulations the once over.
• Firefighters and law enforcement officers say, the system is broken when they need it most.
• Officials were spurred into action after an investigation by the local media, revealed that claims for mental health were creating no end of frustration.
• First responders say, the system is so broken that they end up having to hire attorneys to get the benefits they need.
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LA Senate Takes Up Workers’ Comp Bill

• A Louisiana Senate Committee is debating a workers’ comp bill focused on penalties.
• SB 319 is one of several workers’ comp bills introduced this year.
• The proposed legislation changes the penalty structure for failure to provide timely benefits, or failure to consent to an employee’s choice of doctors.
• It adds language limiting attorneys fees to a maximum of $8,000, regardless of the merit of the penalties.
• The bill also makes several changes to paperwork and notification requirements, in relation to receiving benefits.
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Cigarette Smoke Can Get Expensive

• Casino workers in Atlantic City are suing their employers for exposure to second hand smoke.
• The issue is controversial seeing as Atlantic City relies so much on gambling. A successful challenge to the indoor smoking laws could harm business.
• Medical professionals say, exposure to second hand smoke can make workers sick. If diseases related to second hand smoke can be tied back to the workplace, workers’ comp claims can be filed.
• Lawyers say, employers can lower litigation and workers’ comp costs by eliminating indoor smoking.
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