Impacts of a Governmental Shutdown

The effects of a government shutdown on state workers' compensation systems and their integration with Social Security will vary depending on the specific circumstances of each state. However, some general trends can be expected.

Workers’ Compensation Benefits for Occupational Exposure to Cellphone Radiation

Last week, the French government requested that Apple stop selling the iPhone 12 model because of excessive radiation detected during recent tests. The Agence National des Fréquences [ANFR] stated that “…Apple must immediately take all measures to prevent the availability on the market of the phones concerned present in the supply chain. Regarding phones already sold, Apple must take corrective measures as soon as possible to make the phones concerned compliant. Otherwise, it will be up to Apple to recall them.”

Lawsuit Proceeds Against Amazon For Scheme to Obstruct a Workers’ Compensation Claim

An injured Amazon fulfillment center worker brought an action against Amazon.com Service LLC [AMAZON] for acts of its Third-Party Administration (TPA), Sedgwick CMA-Philadelphia [SEDGWICK], among other allegations, in interfering with the authorized workers’ compensation physician. The claim arose from a December 2019 knee accident the worker sustained at the AMAZON warehouse. 

New Jersey Compensation Rates Will Increase 2.9% in 2024

The 2024 workers' compensation payment rates were published in a Rule proposal [ N.J.A.C.12:235-1.6] on 9/5/23 in the NJ Reporter, 55 N.J.R. 1870(a). The rates will increase by 2.9 percent over the present 2023 rates of compensation.

Implementing AI for Workers’ Compensation Law Firms and Insurance Companies

Artificial intelligence [AI] opens new frontiers for workers’ compensation law firms and insurance companies. Last week, Google announced new applications that will vastly expand how workers’ compensation claims can be serviced, managed, and supported.

Water Breaks for Construction Workers

 A Texas judge has blocked a new state law prohibiting local governments from requiring water breaks for construction workers. House Bill 2127 law was set to effect on Friday, September 1, 2023.

Airline Ground Crew Fatalities Result in FFA Safety Alert

Recent fatal accidents at airports involving ground crew personnel drew the attention of The Federal Aviation Administration.