On Sept. 5, 2019, Manhattan District Attorney Cyrus R. Vance announced the indictment of an unlicensed labor broker, Alvador Almonte Jr., and his insurance broker for conspiring to avoid nearly $1 million in worker’s compensation insurance premiums. Almonte and his broker, Steven Asvazadourian, were charged in a seven-count indictment that included Insurance Fraud in the […]
Despite advances in workplace safety and the best efforts of employers, on-the-job accidents happen all too frequently in the United States. According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there were 2.8 million non-fatal workplace injuries reported in 2017, which translates to 2.8 cases per 100 private-industry FTEs. There were 5, 147 fatal […]
The state of Texas is about to usher in some significant changes to its workers’ compensation laws. The statutes significantly impact first responders, including firefighters and peace officers, who will have broader protections under the new rules. Other changes include expansion of the role of advanced practice nurses and clarification of the rules around injured […]
Over the past decade, the direct cost of workers comp claims has increased significantly, in large part due to the rising cost of prescription drugs. According to the National Council on Compensation Insurance, the average direct cost of lost-time claims in 2015-2016 was $39, 424, up from an average of $26,400 in 2009. The highest […]
A panel of experts at the annual Disability Management Employer Coalition Inc. conference discussed the value of cannabis as a “safer” alternative to opioids last week. The consensus among participants: Cannabis poses more risks than rewards for employers and employees alike. And while that opinion certainly isn’t shared by everyone in the field (even the […]
The Minnesota Supreme Court ruled last week that former Minnesota Vikings lineman Al Noga was not entitled to workers compensation, reversing a decision by the Workers Compensation Court of Appeals. Noga’s lawyers claimed his dementia diagnosis was the result of repeated head injuries sustained while he played for the NFL, and after a long, drawn-out […]
Everyone knows that some animals are dangerous (think sharks, alligators, jellyfish and bears). But the truth is these predators are pretty much isolated from most human contact. Unless you venture into their territory, there’s a very small likelihood you’ll be attacked. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case with small, domestic animals. In fact, thousands of […]
On Wednesday, July 17, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo signed legislation granting workers compensation to farmworkers in the state. The bill adds a number of additional protections under New York Department of Labor rules, including collective bargaining rights, family medical leave and mandatory time off. Cuomo called the bill “a great achievement” during the signing […]
It’s summertime! And while many of us celebrate warmer temperatures with picnics and trips to the beach, millions of workers who toil outdoors are feeling the heat. And that doesn’t mean they are simply uncomfortable. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, between 1992 and 2017, over 800 workers in the U.S.died due to exposure […]
New York has long been known as one of the nations’ more progressive states. And with both houses of the state legislature now firmly in control of Democrats, progressive new laws tackling everything from climate change to tenant’s rights have been coming out of Albany at a remarkably fast clip. But one area that has […]
