Can We Agree to Disagree? Asbestos Ruling

The New York Workers Compensation panel reversed a previous ruling that disqualified a Con Edison machinist from receiving workers compensation benefits for esophageal cancer. The physician said that esophageal cancer (throat cancer) was not caused by asbestos poisoning; hence, should not receive work related benefits due to mesothelioma, also known as asbestos poisoning. The machinist worked for Con Edison for more than two decades and was exposed to large amounts of asbestos dust. He was later diagnosed with asbestosis and eventually died as a result.

His widow filed a claim for workers compensation benefits, but was refused because her husband's workplace physician claimed there was no causal link between asbestos exposure and throat cancer.

However, a second opinion by another physician (not a contractor of Con Edison) said there was a definite link between asbestos exposure and throat cancer. By choosing the second of the two opinions as being more valid, or relevant, the NYWC panel reversed the previous decision and awarded the widow death benefits.

Perhaps one opinion is not enough to garner fairness and actual process of only accepting one opinion could make the process defective.

Con Edison is under the microscope for a number of asbestos exposures, both to workers and the general public. Con Edison has stripped much of this asbestos from its ancient pipes and manhole covers, but unfortunately has not always using trained technicians with proper protective gear, so asbestos-related claims for asbestosis, lung and digestive cancers, and even mesothelioma continue to surface.

Source: http://www.mesotheliomaweb.org

Possible Perks Coming for In-Home Healthcare Workers

Healthcare News

In-home care providers are the front line caregivers to the elderly and sick who stay at home vs. being sent to an offsite facility. In-home caregivers also receive the lowest income, no overtime, and no workers compensation. For holding such a responsible position, they practically receive nothing in return.

That could change if 15 Senators and if the Secretary of Labor has her way to expand the federal wage and hours worked law to the over one million home care workers.

As the population ages, there will be a greater need for more in-home healthcare workers.

Home care, once handled by family and neighbors, has evolved into a full-time regular type of employment. These workers should be included in the minimum wage laws, be paid overtime, and get workers compensation benefits if needed.

Source: http://www.seiu.org

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Have our Attorneys Calculate Your Estimated Compensation Rate

This roundup of headlines from across the nation provides a snapshot of what's happening with
workers' compensation in the United States.

Pay Workers Compensation Insurance or Bust

What happens when a business doesn't pay workers compensation insurance?

In the state of Illinois, one employer was closed down by the state's insurance compliance division when it failed to pay for workers compensation. This pet care business had four employers file workers comp claims but since employer had not paid any benefits, it made collection of benefits difficult.

The business didn't respond to letters and failed to appear at a hearing so the state was forcefully shut down and fined.

It is a business' responsibility to contribute to workers comp insurance.

Source: http://www.insurancejournal.com

What's Up Doc? Workers Compensation Fraud

The Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) reported that an Ohio doctor pleaded guilty for up-charged billing codes in order to obtain higher reimbursement.

Undercover agents found the doctor conducted five minute face-to-face evaluations involving minimal examination but billed the BWC for 25 minutes including medical decisions and detailed histories not taken.

The doctor began an instant prescription-writing conspiracy to obtain Percodan, Oxycotin and Percocet, all schedule II controlled substances. He wrote prescriptions for people who were not his patients and had not been medically examined by him. The doctor wrote these prescriptions for his own consumption.

A U.S. District Court Judge sentenced Lawson sentenced him to 24 months incarceration, one year probation, 1,000 hours of community service and a $100 special assessment fine.

Source: http://www.claimsjournal.com

ConAgra Food Plant Explodes

A tragic explosion occurred at the Slim Jim jerky plant in North Carolina. Three people died and 41 were injured, some critically burned.

Firefighters were also treated for inhaling pneumonia.

The explosion was caused by a natural gas leak. An investigation is underway as to the cause.

Some workers reported smelling gas a few hours prior to the explosion.

Workers should feel safe at work. Life in Garner, N.C. will never be the same for the families of these workers.

Source: http://www.newsobserver.com