PFAS Contamination Legislation Advances

Congressman Frank Pallone, Jr. (NJ-06) updated the public on legislation to address PFAS contamination and exposure. Last week, Pallone’s Energy and Commerce Committee passed comprehensive legislation to protect Americans from PFAS and clean up waste sites. The legislation is critical to stopping the flow of these harmful chemicals into our environment, drinking water, cooking products and more. It also ensures that polluters pay for the cleanup of these sites. According to a report, there are 517 water systems in New Jersey that are contaminated with PFAS.

Efforts to Protect the Public From Asbestos Exposure

Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey today released a new report highlighting her office’s ongoing efforts to protect children, families, and workers from the health risks posed by exposure to asbestos.

NJ Insurance Rates Decrease 5.8%

The Commissioner of Banking and Insurance (“Commissioner”) has approved a 5.8% decrease in rates and rating values applicable to New Jersey workers’ compensation and employers’ liability insurance effective January 1, 2020 on a new and renewal basis.

The Rating Bureau filed for a decrease of 3.8% in rates and rating values; however, the Commissioner revised the overall change to the approved amount of -5.8%.

The rating components of the approved decrease are summarized in this Circular Letter, issued concurrently with Manual Amendment Bulletin #493, Manual Amendment Bulletin #494 and Statistical Circular #126.

NJ Supreme Court to Review Application of Exclusivity Rule Between Social Remedial Legislation Acts

The NJ Supreme Court will review two social remedial legislative acts to determine whether the Exclusivity Rule is applicable. The workplace legislation is the Law Against Discrimination [LAD] and the Workers’ Compensation Act [WCA]. The Court will determine whether a LAD claim is barred by the exclusive remedy of the WCA. Mary Richter, Plaintiff-Respondent, v. Oakland Board of Education, C-234 Sept.Term 2019, 2019 WL 5847242, Petition for Certification Granted NOVEMBER 4, 2019

Webinar: Expectations of Full Recovery Where Do We Place the Goalpost?

What exactly is "full recovery" from a workplace injury?
Click here to stream the replay online

• How do we manage the expectations around a workers' compensation claim?
• Is "full recovery" always realistic? 
• Can a full recovery be something less than full function? 

This FREE webinar focused on the perceptions of all stakeholders participating in the workers' compensation system and offer insight on how to address and to navigate the process successfully.

Employer-reported non-fatal injury and illness rate unchanged in 2018

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the rate of nonfatal occupational injuries and illnesses among private industry employees was unchanged for the first time since 2012 at 2.8 cases per 100 full-time equivalent workers in 2018. Workers in private industry incurred 2.8 million injuries or illnesses in 2018.

The problem with workers’ compensation award ceremonies

Today's guest author is Jon Rehm, Esq. of the Nebraska bar.

Recently three injured workers were honored at the Comp Laude Gala put on by trade publication Workers’ Compensation Central. The event included a panel with the catastrophically injured workers who overcame their injuries.