Pandemic Justice: Recusal and Essential Employee Rights

The recent New Jersey Appellate Division decision in Amato v. Township of Ocean School District offers crucial insights into two important legal principles: judicial recusal and the definition of essential employees during the COVID-19 pandemic.

New Jersey Mandates Tech Training for Lawyers

In a significant move reflecting the growing intersection of law and technology, the New Jersey Supreme Court has proposed two important changes to strengthen attorneys' technological competence. These proposals, announced on November 19, 2024, aim to ensure that New Jersey lawyers are better equipped to handle the challenges posed by cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies.

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.