workers’ compensation News

Injured Workers Opioid Use on Rise in California, Washington

Editor’s Note: This is part of a team report on opioid use by injured workers. For the national story read: Opioid Epidemic Plagues Workers’ Comp Washington and California are among states in the U.S. Western Region that have publicly struggled with …

Panel Solicits Applicants For New Mexico Insurance Regulator

Former State Insurance Superintendent Chris Krahling has been named to a panel that will select New Mexico’s top insurance regulator. A nine-member committee will select the next superintendent of insurance, who starting in July will be in charge of an …

Accident Fund, Olivet College Offer Certified Authority on Workers’ Comp

Accident Fund Insurance Company of America has partnered with Olivet College, a mid-Michigan based college, to create the Certified Authority on Workers’ Compensation (CAWC) program. This program offers a unique perspective on workers’ compensation, combining business acumen with key educational …

Opioid Epidemic Plagues Workers’ Comp

Editor’s Note: This is part of a team report on opioid use by injured workers. For stories focused on particular regions click on the respective links below. The national “epidemic” of opioid usage has garnered a great deal of public …

R.I. Officials Ask Court Not to Delay WC Fine Against Former Nightclub Owners

Rhode Island labor officials have asked the state Supreme Court not to review the $1 million fine levied against the former owners of the Station nightclub. Michael and Jeffrey Derderian are appealing the fine, levied for failing to carry workers …

Missouri Senate Backs Bill to Bolster Second Injury Fund

More than a thousand disabled workers could finally begin receiving payments for their job-related injuries if the Missouri House gives final approval to legislation intended to replenish an insolvent state fund. SB 1, which passed the Senate early on May …

Southeastern States Battle Against Prescription Drug/Opioid Abuse

Editor’s Note: This is part of a team report on opioid use by injured workers. For the national story read: Opioid Epidemic Plagues Workers’ Comp Deaths from prescription drug overdoses jumped 360 percent in the last decade in the Appalachian region …

Missouri Bill Would Create Workers’ Comp Database

The Missouri Legislature has voted to create an online database allowing businesses to check whether job applicants have a history of filing workers’ compensation claims. The House gave the bill final approval on a 91-67 vote. It now heads to …

Workers’ Comp Sees Encouraging Signs in 2012 Results: NCCI

The workers’ compensation market is seeing encouraging signs. Premiums grew for the second consecutive year, the combined ratio declined and claim frequency continued to improve at a pace slightly greater than its long-term historic rate of decline. In 2012, the …

Crime Victim Fund Eligibility Expands in Mississippi

The family of a student killed or injured while boarding or exiting a school bus in Mississippi can now qualify to receive money from the state Crime Victim Compensation Fund. House Bill 710 expands the eligibility for the fund. It …