Workers' compensation

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Oklahoma City – Jonnie Yvonne Vasquez occasionally needed to lift shoe boxes as part of her job at a department store in Oklahoma.One day, as she lifted boxes, Vasquez injured her neck and shoulder. Soon after, she filed claims for benefits. But her employer had opted out of traditional workers’ compensation, as it was entitled to do by state law, and denied Vasquez’s claims for treatment.

Austin, TX – Overweight and obese workers are more likely to incur high workers’ compensation costs related to major injuries, according to research from the University of Texas at Austin.

Hartford, CT – Injuries related to material handling account for nearly one-third of total workers’ compensation claims, while strains and sprains are the most common type of work-related injury, according to a report from insurance provider Travelers Companies.

An Oklahoma law allowing employers the option to “opt out” of traditional workers’ compensation was ruled unconstitutional. But the fight is far from over, and a decision in the state’s Supreme Court could set a precedent for the rest of the nation.

Oklahoma City – The law that allows Oklahoma employers to opt out of traditional workers’ compensation is unconstitutional, the state’s Workers’ Compensation Commission said in a new ruling that deals a blow to proponents of so-called “option” legislation.

Hopkinton, MA – Differences among state workers’ compensation policies may play a role in the length of time workers are out on disability for low-back pain, according to a new study from the Liberty Mutual Research Institute for Safety.

A growing number of stakeholders support an alternative to workers’ compensation. It’s known as “the option,” and proponents claim it can lower costs and return injured employees to the job sooner. But critics of the option say it could do more harm than good.

Concord, NH – Data showing that only half of worker injuries in New Hampshire were fully paid for through workers’ compensation – despite the majority likely being eligible – supports previous studies concluding that occupational injuries are underreported, according to a recent report.

Oakland, CA – California officials are touting the success of recent workers’ compensation reforms following the release of a report showing increased payments to workers and savings for employers.

The Federal Employees’ Compensation Act has had no significant changes for 40 years. Now, policymakers and politicians are debating how to balance appropriate use of taxpayer funds with ensuring injured workers receive appropriate benefits.