Cambridge, MA – A new study from the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI) addresses how the massive slowdown of economic activity early in the pandemic impacted workers’ compensation, and to what extent COVID-19 claims have arisen in the workers’ compensation system. The study, The Early Impact of COVID-19 on Workers’ Compensation Claim Composition, analyzed paid… [Read more]
Claims, Legal, & Compliance News
KS AG: KS Supreme Court Upholds State Prerogative to Adopt Newer WC Eval Guidelines
Topeka, KS – Kansas Attorney General Derek Schmidt recently noted that the Kansas Supreme Court has upheld the constitutionality of an amendment to the Kansas Workers Compensation Act that adopted more recent guidelines for assessing medical impairment. “Our position has been that the Legislature had authority to update the law as it did,” said Schmidt,… [Read more]
Yukon Workers’ Compensation Board Rolls Out Sapiens ClaimsPro Upgrade
Holon, Israel – Sapiens Americas, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sapiens International Corporation, (NASDAQ and TASE: SPNS) and the Yukon Workers’ Compensation Health and Safety Board recently announced that Yukon has rolled out a newly upgraded version of Sapiens ClaimsPro workers’ compensation platform. The new version includes a state-of-the art technology stack and will enable… [Read more]
CWCI: CA COVID-19 Workers’ Comp Claim Volume Trending Up Again
Oakland, CA – With the number of confirmed coronavirus cases hitting record levels, California workers’ comp COVID-19 monthly claim volume, which fell sharply in August and September, is now trending up again, climbing 9.0% in October, then more than doubling in November according to a California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) review of claims reported to… [Read more]
AF Group Appoints Paul Kearney as Chief Claims Officer
Lansing, MI – AF Group’s distinction in delivering claim excellence continues with the appointment of Paul Kearney as Chief Claims Officer. Kearney will lead the company’s Claims team to ensure ongoing exceptional support of AF Group’s policyholders and injured workers nationwide. Kearney’s strong industry knowledge includes two decades of experience and strategic leadership. He most… [Read more]
WA Farm Receives One of Largest Worker Safety and Health Fines in State History
Tumwater, WA – An investigation into the COVID-19 deaths of two workers at a Central Washington farm has found dozens of safety and health violations. As a result, the Washington state Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) has cited Gebbers Farm Operations, LP in Brewster and issued one of the largest workplace safety and health… [Read more]
Mitchell Predicts 2021 Trends in Q4 2020 Industry Trends Report
San Diego, CA – Mitchell International recently released its fourth quarter Industry Trends Report for 2020. In the report, industry experts from across Mitchell predict and analyze the key trends that will impact 2021, providing insights that can help guide planning for organizations across the industry. “The events of 2020 have caused some lasting changes… [Read more]
NCCI Releases First Look at COVID-19 Impact on Medical Treatment in Workers’ Comp
Boca Raton, FL – NCCI recently announced the release of its first research report with insights on the medical component of 2020 claim activity, including COVID-19 claims: COVID-19’s Impact on Medical Treatment in Workers Compensation – A First Look at 2020 NCCI noted that there is no question that the COVID-19 pandemic has had and… [Read more]
Safety National Webinar: Strategies for Retiring Old Dog Workers’ Compensation Claims
St. Louis, MO – Safety National recently announced a new complimentary webinar, noting that many workers’ comp professionals have worked with claims that have stubbornly resisted resolution—those old dog claims. Settling files greatly reduces costs, reserves and collateral needs. Mitigating the impact of old dog claims requires sound strategies for uncovering opportunities to settle and… [Read more]
WCRI: Medical Payments in CA Workers’ Comp System Show Effects of Policy Changes
Cambridge, MA – Medical payments per claim in California were typical of other states for 2016 claims with experience through 2019 (2016/2019), the effect of comprehensive reform legislation, according to a recent study by the Workers Compensation Research Institute (WCRI). In previous years, medical payments per claim in California were higher than typical. Average payments… [Read more]