The first two sessions at the 35th Annual Workers’ Compensation Research Institute Conference, being held in Phoenix, AZ are behind us, and it is clear that the issue of Opioids is not close to being resolved for us either as an industry or a nation. WCRI presenters offered a plethora of facts and figures related…
On the Hot Seat: Benefit Adequacy in Workers' Comp
It was one of the top issues identified by the 2016 Workers’ Comp Summit. Benefit Adequacy is a big issue in workers’ comp. What are the trends and current state of benefits in the US? Next Thursday, March 7th at 12:00 eastern, Judge David Langham and I will tackle that topic in the 7th episode…
A Gratuitous Tip for Florida Comp Judges
As you know, I am all about solutions. So naturally, when I read in this here website about the challenges of getting reasonable wages for Florida Comp judges, I knew I would have to weigh in. There is a fairly easy fix to the problem they face. In case you missed the article by our…
When the Booby Prize Bites You in the Cute Butt
Welcome to comp-free Friday, where we venture outside the world of workers’ compensation to demonstrate that we are not the only ones to have to deal with Dilbert-like actions. Today we will talk about stupid. You see, there is stupid, and then there is stupid. Actually, there is stupid, then stupid, then Wisconsin Cheerleading Coach…
The Ranks of the First Responder Special Class is Growing
Legislative bills in Montana and Idaho that will grant certain benefits and presumptions for first responders appear to be headed to a successful result, bringing those states in line with many others who have recently followed the same path. The Montana proposal would provide automatic presumptions for certain medical diseases and illnesses, while the Idaho effort will establish psychiatric…
Unsafe Politicians and SAIF Reserves – A Very Bad Combination Indeed
It is one of the potential flaws in the structure of a state workers’ compensation fund; the agency, or quasi-independent company, responsibly establishes reserves to protect their customers and workers from future and unknown calamities. Then greedy, grubby, ignorant, sticky fingered politicians drool over those funds and try for an unmitigated cash grab, believing they…
Bob's Fraud Tip #236: Don't Leave "Dr_note" File on Your Computer
Fraud is fraud, and while today’s tip is not derived directly from a workers’ comp fraud case, its origins are based in alleged employment fraud at a state workers’ compensation agency. Two employees of the Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation are facing felony charges for allegedly falsifying records in order to use sick time. The case of…
From Social Media to Litigation Privilege, The ABA Mid-Winter Miami Seminar Has Something for Everyone
The American Bar Association 2019 Workers’ Compensation Midwinter Seminar and Conference is scheduled for March 14 thru 16, at the beautiful and historic Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables, Florida. As usual this law focused event offers something for everyone. Co-sponsored by the ABA Section of Labor and Employment Law and the Tort, Trial and Insurance Practice Section,…
In Phoenix, WCRI Will Give Itself Something Else to Study
The Workers’ Compensation Research Institute’s (WCRI) Annual Issues and Research Conference is breaking over 30 years of tradition this year. Held annually in Boston every year since WCRI was founded, they have broken out of the northeast winter doldrums and are headed for sunny Phoenix, AZ. The conference will be held February 28 and March…
The Adjusters Lament: When a Provider Lies, a Puppy Dies
We spend a great deal of time talking about ways that the workers’ compensation system could be improved. Much of that conversation centers around how adjusters and claims professionals could do their job better; how they could change their methods to get better results. Rarely, if ever, in these conversations have we really discussed the…