Opioid Litigation and Workers' Compensation

The newly initiated litigation by public entities against Big Pharma may prove to be a huge boost to the workers' compensation system. The lawsuits have the potential curtailing a massive drain of benefit dollars and may provide for subrogation as a result of the nations' opioid epidemic.

An Injury to All

Governor Chris Christie (R) has issued an Executive Order closing the NJ Division of Workers' Compensation. Christie, who is the most unpopular Governor in the US, with a 15% approval rating, has decided now, in his remaining few months in office, to get into yet another political squabble with the Democratic legislative majority.

OSHA proposes to delay compliance date for electronically submitting injury, illness reports

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration today proposed a delay in the electronic reporting compliance date of the rule, Improve Tracking of Workplace Injuries and Illnesses, from July 1, 2017, to Dec. 1, 2017. The proposed delay will allow OSHA an opportunity to further review and consider the rule.

Employment Status: Common Law Tests May Need an Update

The application of the common-law standard to determine employment status may no longer be relevant in the age of the gig economy. The NJ Appellate Division ruled that the common law test utilized to determine employment status could not be utilized in the interpretation of a medical malpractice insurance policy.

Governor of Nevada Vetoes Single-Payer Legislation

Nevada Governor Brian Sandoval has vetoed legislation that would have established a single-payer Assembly Bill 374 would have expanded a Medicare-type health care insurance plan. coverage to provide health care coverage to all Nevada residents.

Safeguarding Injured Workers From Cybersecurity Breaches

Under new Federal proposals, injured workers will be protected from cybersecurity breaches. The impact will be greater responsibilities and costs for law firms and, employers and their insurance companies.

Medical Marijuana Providers Maybe be Federally Prosecuted

Medical marijuana use may be heading to a new challenge for medical providers in workers' compensation case. Even though some States have authorized regulation and approval of dispensing medical marijuana, a Federal law allowing the practice is up for Congressional review.