Five Things You Need to Know: 10/9, Tuesday Edition

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) - 

1) CA: Former Dairy Co. Employee Sentenced for Work Comp Fraud

Colusa resident Daniel Ayala has been busted for work comp fraud, to the tune of one year in jail and large fines, after sentencing was announced this week, according to the Daily Democrat. “…The Yolo District Attorney’s office reported Ayala pleaded no contest to one count of felony workers’ compensation insurance fraud. As part of the plea agreement, Ayala’s remaining felony counts were dismissed in the interest of justice,” per the article. “The defendant’s county jail time has also been stayed pending successful completion of probation and a monthly restitution payment of $350 per month to fulfill his court ordered restitution in the amount of $19,324.68.” Although Ayala had been hurt on the job allegedly, leading to back injuries, an insurance company hired an investigator, who witnessed Ayala participating in activities and tasks that didn’t make sense with the alleged injuries. “…Ayala received $15,876.63 in workers’ compensation benefits due to his reported injury, stated (enforcement officer Kevin) Clark,” according to the article.

2) Comp Laude Hits San Diego This Week

The 7th Annual Comp Laude® Awards and Gala starts today at the Manchester Grand Hyatt, and goes until Thursday. Ben Nemtin of The Buried Life is scheduled to speak as the Keynote. Tuesday’s sessions include 45 minutes focusing on empathy in litigation, and later, ‘It’s No Small Thing! Current Ethical Considerations in Workers’ Compensation Claims.’ A Kids’ Chance scholarship  presentation will take place Wednesday morning, along with Nemtin’s keynote. Mark Pew of Preferred Medical, and Bob Wilson of WorkersCompensation.com, will take the stage Wednesday afternoon with ‘Turning the Churn: A Vision for Workers’ Recovery.’ Thursday’s sessions will cover topics including: ‘Rethinking Pain Management’ and ‘Treating Pre-Pain and Acute Pain.’

3) Olympic Medalist to Speak at NWCDC 2018

The National Workers' Compensation & Disability Conference (NWCDC) is scheduled to take place Dec. 5-7, 2018 at the Mandalay Bay Resort in Las Vegas, according to its website. The keynote speaker will be “…seven-time Olympic medalist Shannon Miller,” who “…will kick things off with a motivating look at how the gold-medal mindset helps overcome challenges and inspires success, whether on the competition floor or in the workplace.” A new “Orientation Session” will take place at the beginning of that week, to get attendees old and new acquainted with how the conference works, including tips and tricks to get through the sessions with some extra background and knowledge. To register, and for more information, click here. Check back to WorkersCompensation.com as the event gets closer, and as more details emerge.

4) CA: Previous Pizza Chain Employees Allege Sexual Harassment Occurred at Their Workplace

Christian Redman, Vanessa Toland and Alexis Williams of Oroville have filed a lawsuit against Sisco Enterprises Inc., Arthur Waite and Does 1 through 20, allege sexual harassment, among other things, writes Noddy A. Fernandez of the Northern California Record. “…According to the complaint, during their employment with defendant Sisco at its Round Table Pizza chain, the plaintiffs claim they were subjected to a continuous sexual and racial harassment from defendant Waite. The plaintiffs claim the harassment was frequent, continuous, unwelcome and created a hostile work environment for employees under Waite's supervision,” per the article. The three request lost income, damages, court costs and any other relief. 

5) WV: Employee’s Alleged Electric Shock on the Job Leads to Lawsuit

Charleston resident Andrew Loftis filed a lawsuit against American Electric Power Company Inc., Appalachian Power Company, American Electric Power Company Inc., doing business as Appalachian Power Company, and American Electric Power Service Corporation, alleging an unsafe workplace led to electric shock, writes Jenie Mallari-Torres of the West Virginia Record. “…According to the complaint, on Oct. 13, 2016, Loftis was working as a pipe layer for his employer, Pipe Plus Inc., at a site near the defendants property, at 429 Simms Road in St. Albans. The suit says a live electrical line was negligently left on the ground covered by vegetation, causing Loftis electrical shock and serious injuries,” writes Mallari-Torres. “…Loftis seeks trial by jury, compensatory and punitive damages, interest, court costs and disbursements of action, and all further just relief.” 

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