FTC Report Strikes at the High Cost of Drugs

The US Federal Trade Commission [FTC] report "Pharmacy Benefit Managers: The Powerful Middlemen Inflating Drug Costs and Squeezing Main Street Pharmacies" examines the influence of Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs) in the pharmaceutical industry.

The Predicted Active Hurricane Season Stirs Trouble

An active hurricane season can significantly impact the workers' compensation system in terms of claims and losses. 

Expert’s Published Study Protected Speech

A Federal Court held that the statements in a published academic article authored by a plaintiff’s expert were not actionable because they were either statements of opinion or because they were protected by the First Amendment.

Trench Injury Not an Intentional Wrong

A Federal Court held that injuries sustained while cleaning a trench conveyor trim removal system at a paper manufacturing facility did not meet the threshold test for an intentional tort.

OSHA Proposes a Workplace Heat Standard

OSHA’s proposed new workplace heat standard requires employers to develop a plan to identify and address heat hazards. This plan must include monitoring heat conditions, providing water, and training employees about heat safety. The standard also sets requirements for acclimatization for new and returning employees.

Fracture of Silicone Breast Implant Held Not to be Compensable

In an unpublished decision, the NJ Appellate Division upheld the dismissal of a workers' compensation claim for the repair of a ruptured breast implant. 

Bill Proposes to Increase Benefits for Some Injured Workers and Dependents

Assemblywoman Dawn Fantasia filed legislation to institute additional workers' compensation supplemental benefits on June 13, 2024, and Assemblyman Inganamort co-sponsored it.