KS Governor Signs Workers’ Comp Bill

• Kansas Governor Laura Kelly signed SB 430, or the so-called Enhanced Workers’ Compensation Act.
• SB 430 makes several changes to the law, including allowing parties to introduce medical reports without taking depositions.
• It also provides the ability to settle by written agreement rather than through a hearing.
• The law takes effect July 1.
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Captive Insurer Off to the Races

• Thoroughbred horse racing inspired an insurance company to offer captive coverage.
• Authentic Insurance Company, a recently formed captive, discovered that incentivizing horse trainers to follow safety protocols, allowed them to share in the remaining funds after all the claims had been paid.
• Authentic is now offering captive coverage to software companies, based on the same model.
• After raising over $11 million in funding, Authentic plans to invest in new products, including workers’ compensation, health insurance, and benefits.
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Injured Deputy Suffering Through Insurance Nightmare

• A Florida deputy was seriously injured, after being struck by a teenage driver last May.
• His wife is struggling to get his workers’ compensation claim on track, and make sure he continues to be covered by the sheriff’s office’s health insurance.
• The deputy is being terminated for his pro-longed absence, and his wife isn’t certain that workers’ comp will cover all medical bills.
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Insurance Company Offers Safe Travels

• Pinnacol Assurance, a Colorado-based workers’ compensation carrier, has released data that show motor vehicle deaths outnumber other job-related fatalities by 2-1.
• The most dangerous times to drive are between 9-11 AM and 4 PM, according to Pinnacol.
• The insurer recommends that companies prioritize safety. This includes not requiring employees to answer texts or emails while driving.
• One Colorado trucking company has employed both inward and outward facing dash cams to track driver safety.
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Plumbing Fraudster Stuck at Home

• A Montana plumber, convicted of criminal fraud, has begun his house arrest.
• The owner of Belgrade Plumbing and Heating, Dennis Lee Hurlbert, was convicted of submitting a falsified insurance document to a would-be employer.
• The insurance certificate stated, falsely, that he had workers’ compensation insurance.
• The falsified document was confirmed by the insurance agency named on the certificate.
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