Call Us 919-240-4054The Senate finally passed the extension for unemployment insurance last week, and it was promptly signed by President Obama on Friday. The extension was originally passed by the House in September, but it had been held up in the Senate by Republicans. The extension will provide 20 additional weeks of benefits for unemployed workers in […]
Law Blog
Costs of workers’ compensation declining for companies
Despite employers’ continual complaints that workers’ compensation costs too much, North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin has approved a nearly 10 percent decrease in workers’ compensation insurance policy rates. This demonstrates that a good workers’ compensation system, such as North Carolina’s, can both fairly compensate injured workers and be affordable for companies.
President signs expansion of FMLA for military families
Last week, President Obama signed the Fiscal Year 2010 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), an appropriations bill that includes an expansion of the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) for military families. Specifically, it broadens the scope of caregiver and exigency leave for military families. Details should be available from the Department of Labor in short […]
Fourth Circuit reverses the Board in Longshoreman Act case
In Green-Brown v. Sealand Service, the Fourth Circuit held that under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act (LHWCA), hearing loss determinations can only be accepted under the Act if they are done according to the AMA Guides. The plaintiff was a long-term shipping container repairman, who was exposed to loud noises from air hammers, impact […]
Ann speaks to Charlotte cycling group
Ann Groninger spoke last night with Charlotte’s Dirt Divas, a womens’ mountain biking group whose members ride together and provide service to the community. Many of the women also ride on the road and wanted to understand their legal rights and responsibilities as cyclists. Ann spoke and answered questions about the rules of the road, insurance […]
Today’s workers’ compensation decisions by the NC Court of Appeals
Alston v. Federal Express is another decision on workers’ compensation liens, and how they are handled by superior courts under N.C.G.S. 97-10.2(j). In a 10.2(j) action, “the judge shall determine, in his discretion, the amount, if any, of the employer’s lien, whether based on accrued or prospective workers’ compensation benefits, and the amount of cost of […]