Amazon Sued Over Termination Following Work-Related Hernia Surgery A Las Vegas Amazon employee has filed a lawsuit alleging wrongful termination following surgery for a work-related hernia.  The plaintiff claims the company failed to accommodate physical restrictions and terminated him while recovering, highlighting tensions between attendance policies and injured staff rights.  The case seeks damages for […]

New York Court Limits Landowner Liability Under Labor Law Section The New York Appellate Division ruled that routine maintenance activities, such as changing lightbulbs from a ladder, do not qualify as “altering” a building under Labor Law.  This decision reinforces the workers’ compensation system as the primary remedy for injuries sustained during routine tasks, preventing […]

Tennessee Bureau Warns of Fraudsters Impersonating Workers’ Comp Officials The Tennessee Bureau of Workers’ Compensation is warning residents about a scam where fraudsters impersonate judges and attorneys to demand payment for releasing benefits.  These scammers utilize phone, text, and video calls to pressure victims into sending untraceable funds via gift cards or cryptocurrency.  Official state […]

Interstate Disparities in Workers’ Comp Pain Management Revealed by NCCI An NCCI study highlights significant interstate variation in pain management treatments for workers’ compensation claims.  While nationwide opioid use has declined, treatment has shifted toward alternative therapies like physical therapy and non-opioid medications for workplace injuries.  These regional differences directly impact medical costs and return-to-work […]

New DOL Contractor Rule Could Reshape Workers’ Comp Eligibility Nationwide The Department of Labor proposed a new rule on February 26, 2026, to simplify worker classification under federal law.  By prioritizing control and entrepreneurial opportunity, the proposal aims to make it easier for businesses to classify workers as independent contractors.  However, misclassification risks remain significant, […]

Nebraska Debates Privacy Shield for Workers’ Comp Injury Reports The Nebraska Legislature is debating LB455, which proposes classifying initial workplace injury reports as confidential rather than public records.  Proponents argue this restriction prevents attorneys from soliciting injured workers, potentially reducing litigation costs for employers and insurers.  Opponents contend this move could limit transparency regarding workplace […]

New York’s Trapped at Work Act Expansion Impacts Workers’ Comp Exclusivity and Liability New York’s updated Trapped at Work Act establishes a private right of action for employees subjected to hazardous exit obstructions.  This legislation allows workers to bypass traditional workers’ compensation exclusivity by seeking civil damages for injuries resulting from locked or blocked emergency […]

Delaware Board Denies Expansion of Post-Surgery Shoulder Claim The Delaware Industrial Accident Board ruled that accepting an initial workers’ compensation claim does not automatically mandate coverage for all subsequent conditions of the same body part.  A claimant failed to secure additional benefits for a torn labrum discovered months after a rotator cuff surgery, as medical […]

Legislation Aims to Expand Workers’ Compensation for Oklahoma First Responders Oklahoma State Representative Neil Hays is advancing House Bill 4260 to create a legal presumption that heart attacks or strokes suffered by first responders are job-related.  The legislation applies to firefighters, peace officers, and emergency medical technicians who experience these medical emergencies within eight hours […]

Sixth Circuit Affirms Broad Workers’ Comp Releases Can Bar Subsequent ADA Claims The Sixth Circuit ruled that signing a broad release during a workers’ comp settlement can prevent employees from filing future disability lawsuits.  In a recent case, a worker’s ADA claim was dismissed because his signed agreement explicitly covered all employment-related disputes.  The court […]