Michigan Supreme Court Blocks Workers’ Comp for Undocumented Immigrants
- The Michigan Supreme Court on December 12 refused to take up a case that challenged the state’s denial of workers’ compensation benefits for undocumented immigrants.
- The Michigan Immigrant Rights Center had argued that injured workers shouldn’t be excluded from protections, but the justices voted 4‑3 to leave a lower court’s dismissal in place.
- That decision effectively shifts the issue to the governor and legislature, who now have to decide whether to act.
- Advocates say the ruling leaves vulnerable employees exposed, with no recourse if they’re hurt on the job.
East Cleveland Sergeant Fired Over Workers’ Comp Fraud and Misconduct
- The mayor of East Cleveland, Ohio, fired Sgt. Todd Carroscia after investigators uncovered misconduct tied to fraudulent workers’ compensation claims.
- The probe revealed Carroscia misrepresented an off‑duty injury as job‑related to collect benefits.
- Officials said this was part of a broader pattern of fraud and harassment that violated public trust.
- Records show he received workers’ comp payments under false pretenses, which became a key factor in his termination.
Court Says DOT Contractor Not Liable for Deputy’s Workers’ Comp
- The North Carolina Supreme Court ruled that a DOT contractor is not responsible for workers’ compensation benefits to a deputy injured while directing traffic at a highway project.
- Deputy Stephen Matthew Lassiter, employed by the Robeson County Sheriff’s Office, was struck by a vehicle while assisting the contractor but remained under county employment.
- The court emphasized that workers’ compensation applies only when an employment relationship exists.
- This decision shields contractors from liability for injuries suffered by non-employees during public projects.