Five Things You Need to Know: 6/21, Thursday Edition

Sarasota, FL (WorkersCompensation.com) -

1) OH: Employers Could See Work Comp Savings for Participation in BWC’s New Rebate Program

Ohio has rolled out a new program aiming to aid business owners in decreasing work comp costs this week, called the “Policy Activity Rebate Program,” according to an Occupational Health & Safety press release. “…Employers in the program earn credits for completing activities designed to improve workplace safety practices and encourage attentive management of their workers' comp policies. They receive a 50 percent premium rebate, up to $2,000; to be eligible for the rebate, they must select from among 33 available activities and earn 11 credits during the policy year that begins July 1,” per the article. Activities include, but are not limited to: Completion of a BWC website class, having a wellness program, attending the Ohio safety expo, and hosting an employee safety lunch.  

2) TX: Lawyer Indicted for Work Comp Fraud Charges

Lewisville attorney Leslie Casaubon is in some hot water with the state of Texas, according to Insurance Journal. Between 2010 and 2014, according to Texas Mutual Insurance Co., Casaubon was indicted this week for charging work comp clients for services that never occurred. “…The indictment further alleges that Casaubon submitted false attorney hours to the Texas Department of Insurance Division of Workers’ Compensation through its electronic system. Based on the hours submitted, the Division of Workers’ Compensation ordered workers’ compensation carriers to deduct up to 25 percent from her clients’ benefit checks to pay her fees. As a result, more than $400,000 was unfairly ordered to be taken from injured employees’ benefit payments,” per the article. 

3) OH BWC to Hold Lima Public Forum 

“…Lima area business owners, medical providers, stakeholders, injured workers and other interested parties” are invited to attend Ohio BWC’s public forum on Wednesday, June 27 at 9 a.m. in the BWC Lima Claims Office, according to WKTN News. A round table will be one of the session’s events, where board members will discuss how policy decisions are come to, etc. Directors are also looking to listen in to industry members to see what is important in the work comp system, and what needs improvement.

4) PA: Construction Co. Sued After Alleged Skid Loader Accident Leads to an Employee’s Injury

Pittsburgh resident John Brown has filed a lawsuit against Gaydos Construction & Asphalt Paving Co. Inc. and George Gaydos, alleging an unsafe work environment led to an injury on the job, writes Jenie Mallari-Torres of the Pennsylvania Record. “…According to the complaint, Brown was preparing to start work on Sept. 1, 2016 when a skid loader he was attempting to enter allegedly malfunctioned and pinned him to the ground, resulting to severe injuries, pain and discomfort, emotional distress, shock, permanent disability, loss of the enjoyment of life, loss of income and medical expenses,” per the article. “…The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks a judgment against defendants in an amount in excess of $35,000.”

5) TX: Former Drilling Co. Employee Alleges He was Hurt While Trying to Lift Heavy Objects without the Proper Crew

Benjamin Ratliff, out of Houston, has filed a lawsuit against Baywater Drilling LLC and Hilcorp Energy Co., alleging he had “…to manually lift a heavy object without an adequate crew,” writes Kristine Gonzales-Abella of the Southeast Texas Record. “…According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that on May 15, he was working aboard defendants' vessel, the Bayou Blue, when he was seriously injured when he was required to manually lift large objects in excess of 300 pounds. He alleges he sustained injuries to his neck, back and other parts of his body,” writes Gonzales-Abella. “…The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks actual and consequential damages, prejudgment and post-judgment interest, costs of court and all other relief to which he is entitled.” 

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