WCRI Study Highlights Surge in Air Ambulance Costs and Usage
- A Workers Compensation Research Institute study reveals significant variations and rising costs for air ambulance services across 36 states.
- While usage is infrequent, average payments for these flights have escalated dramatically in several jurisdictions.
- State-specific fee schedules act as a primary factor influencing total workers’ compensation costs.
- These findings offer a benchmark for stakeholders evaluating medical benefit expenditure.
Court Rules Employer Liens Can Reach Non-Occupational Tort Settlements
- The Connecticut Supreme Court ruled that an employer’s workers’ compensation lien extends to third-party settlements involving non-occupational factors, provided the occupational disease is fully compensable.
- In Dodge v. Commissioner, the court affirmed the employer’s right to reimbursement from settlement funds, even when those funds are attributed to causes outside the workplace.
- This decision clarifies employer reimbursement rights under Section 31-293(a). The ruling allows employer liens to reach tort settlements regardless of mixed causation.
Georgia Work Injury Rights Outlined in New Expert Guide
- A new HelloNation report clarifies that Georgia workers’ compensation covers diverse injuries beyond dramatic accidents, including repetitive strain and aggravated conditions.
- Experts emphasize that immediate reporting is vital to establishing a valid legal record for claims.
- Injured employees must seek evaluation from board-approved providers to secure eligibility for wage replacement and medical benefits.
- Documentation and timely notice remain the primary responsibilities for workers seeking state-mandated protection.