Workers' Compensation News

Changes In Workers Compensation State Laws In 2004

In 2004, a major legislative reform package was passed in California. The total cost of administering the Workers’
Compensation Program will now be borne by the employer community through surcharges levied by the Director of Industrial Relations. Temporary disability benefits are now limited to 104 weeks within a period of 2 years from the date of commencement of temporary disability payments, but may be extended to 240 weeks for certain injuries. Beginning in
2005, employers may establish medical provider networks in an attempt to improve medical care for injured employees by providing them with a choice of physicians. The apportionment of permanent disability is now based on causation, and
an employer is only liable for the portion of disability directly caused by the injury.

In Georgia
The Subsequent Injury Trust Fund will cease to reimburse self-insured employers and insurers for a claim made on a subsequent injury occurring after June 30, 2008.

In Louisiana
For injuries occurring between July 1, 2004, and July 1, 2007, an employer who retains in his employment an employee with a permanent partial disability shall be reimbursed from the Second Injury Fund for all weekly compensation payments payable after the first 130 weeks of payment.

In New Jersey
The method for computing death benefits was changed from a sliding scale to just one benefit rate of 70 percent of wages for one or more dependents.

In Washington
A licensed advanced registered nurse practitioner is now authorized to examine, diagnose, and treat injured workers covered by industrial insurance. 

In Wisconsin
Physician assistants and advanced practice nurse prescribers have been added to the list of medical professionals
authorized to conduct workers’ compensation examinations of employees.

In New York
The funeral expenses for a police officer who dies in the line of duty will not be subject to the schedule of maximum charges allowed under the Workers’ Compensation Act.

In Florida
The Workers’ Compensation Administration Trust Fund, which was set to be terminated on November 4, 2004, was re-created, all current balances of the trust fund were carried forward, and all current sources and uses of the trust fund are to be continued.

If you have suffered personal injuries or emotional distress due to the negligence of workers compensaton laws in Louisiana, contact our Workers Compensation lawyer now and obtain a free case evaluation.

	Did You Know?
	OSHA has developed final "Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence OSHA has developed final "Guidelines for Preventing Workplace Violence for Health Care and Social Service Workers" and draft guidelines for night retail establishments. The intent of the guidelines is to educate employers on finding ways to provide a more secure work environment. Consequently, OSHA hopes that employers will voluntarily implement workplace violence protection programs. Workplace violence has emerged as an important safety issue in today's workplaces. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) fatality data, assaults and violent acts caused 20 percent of the fatal occupational injuries in the United States in 1994.