US Workplace Injuries Drop to Historic Lows

In a landmark year for workplace safety, private industry employers reported the lowest injury rates since 2003, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing effort to protect American workers. The latest Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) report reveals that 2023 wasn't just a good year for workplace safety – it was historically good.

Bird Flu: Is Human-to-Human Spread Taking Flight?

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] alert from September 27, 2024, raises concerns about human-to-human transmission of bird flu among workers. If this occurs, it will create a major occupational disease outbreak in the workplace that may severely impact workers’ compensation claims.

Chevron's Fall: Medicare Set-Asides Face Legal Shake-Up

The recent U.S. Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo (2024), which overturned the Chevron doctrine established in Chevron U.S.A., Inc. v. Natural Resources Defense Council, Inc., is likely to have significant impacts on how the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) operates regarding the Medicare Secondary Payer (MSP) Act, including conditional payments and Medicare Set-Aside (MSA) agreements. 

Paterson's Textile Past Unravels: EPA Tackles Asbestos Threat

A chapter of industrial history is about to be carefully closed in the heart of Paterson, New Jersey. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced a significant asbestos cleanup operation at the former Allied Textile Printing (ATP) site, set to begin September 16, 2024.

NJ Judges of Compensation Get a Salary Boost

Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari recently signed a bill (S2470/A3930) that brings about several changes.

CMS Webinar: Mastering Mandatory Reporting for Insurance Providers

Mark your calendars! The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) hosts an essential webinar on Section 111 Non-Group Health Plan (NGHP) Reporting. This event is crucial for those involved in liability insurance (including self-insurance), no-fault insurance, and workers' compensation.

NJ Raises Workers' Comp Attorney Fee Cap to 25%

On August 22, 2024, Acting Governor Nicholas Scutari of New Jersey signed legislation to increase the attorney fee cap in workers' compensation cases from 20% to 25%. This change amends the existing statute R.S.34:15-64, which had remained unchanged since 1927.