Call Us 919-240-4054The new report by the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that both workers and health care professionals are often pressured not to report workplace injuries. The GAO surveyed more than 1,000 occupational health practitioners and found (1) more than two-thirds observed worker fear for reporting an injury or illness, (2) a third said they were pressured […]
Workers' Compensation
Court of Appeals rules attendant care services compensable without pre-approval
When workers are severely injured, they may required attendant care, i.e. assistance in the home such as help with household tasks and personal nursing. Workers’ compensation can cover the costs of this care, if required, even if it is provided by a family member. In recent years, the Industrial Commission, pursuant to its Fee Schedule, […]
Valerie presenting on workers’ compensation and Social Security in Washington, DC
Valerie Johnson is speaking today at a seminar entitled Implications of Developments in Workers’ Compensation for Social Security Disability Insurance. The program is hosted by the Social Security Administration and the National Academy of Social Insurance (NASI), and is being hosted at the National Press Club in Washington, DC. Valerie’s specific topic is “Navigating Workers’ […]
Latest Court of Appeals cases on workers’ compensation
Last week, the North Carolina Court of Appeals issued two decisions on workers’ compensation. In the first case, Jones v. Steve Jones Auto Group, the plaintiff was a general manager at auto dealerships who sought benefits due to mold exposure – an unlisted occupational disease. Due to the dangerous mold in his office, the plaintiff developed […]
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.
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 […]