Declarations

All About Money

“It’s all about money; that’s all it is.”

—John Gillooly, attorney for a Detroit-area youth football league after a court reinstated a lawsuit against the league by an injured cheerleader. The Michigan Court of Appeals reversed a Macomb County Circuit Court ruling and reassigned Renee Sherry’s suit on behalf of her daughter, Jessicca. Sherry sued the East Suburban Football League and Macomb Mustangs for negligence after Jessicca was dropped while participating in a 2005 cheerleading camp practice. The league has liability insurance and already has spent more than $10,000 in legal fees. The suit seeks more than $25,000 in damages. AP

No Resisting a Fast Buck

“Because these contractors were unable to resist the temptation of a fast buck, they’ve failed to provide their employees with the protection they deserve.”

—Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) CEO/Administrator Stephen Buehrer said a task force created by the BWC’s Special Investigations Department in collaboration with the US Postal Service Office of Inspector General uncovered workers’ compensation fraud at six businesses that contract with the Postal Service. As part of the contract with companies that move mail between post offices, the Postal Service pays these vendors to cover workers’ compensation premium costs. The task force said some contractors had received payment for BWC coverage but failed to maintain an active policy.

Discomfort for InsurersDiscomfort for Insurers

“There is some disruption and definitely some discomfort among insurers, but consumers are definitely better protected than they were a year ago.”

—Illinois Insurance Department Director Michael McRaith said health insurance consumers are better protected because of the Affordable Care Act signed by the president in 2010. McRaith said some Illinois consumers will get rebates next year because of a requirement in the law that insurers spend at least 80 cents of every premium dollar on providing medical care, or give rebates to policyholders starting in 2012. The requirement may prove difficult for some small insurers to meet, but McRaith said Illinois won’t be asking for a federal waiver from rule. AP

Topics Workers' Compensation Illinois