Month: May 2021

May 27, 2021

Arkansas Horse-Racing Employee’s Leap From Burning Stable Was Not Compensable

Applying Arkansas’ relatively narrow employment-related rule, which excludes compensation for an injury which was inflicted upon the employee at a time when employment services were not being performed [see Ark....

Arkansas Horse-Racing Employee’s Leap From Burning Stable Was Not Compensable Arkansas Horse-Racing Employee’s Leap From Burning Stable Was Not Compensable
May 26, 2021

“Odd-Lot”-Like Theory Works in Reverse to Limit Wage Loss Award for NY Claimant

Observing that in determining a claimant’s loss of wage-earning capacity, the New York Workers’ Compensation Board may consider claimant’s functional capabilities, as well as vocational issues (claimant’s age, education, training,...

“Odd-Lot”-Like Theory Works in Reverse to Limit Wage Loss Award for NY Claimant “Odd-Lot”-Like Theory Works in Reverse to Limit Wage Loss Award for NY Claimant
May 25, 2021

NY Board Has Broad Discretion in Reviewing § 114-a Issues

In a decision that illustrates the tremendous breadth of discretion allowed to the New York Workers’ Compensation Board, a state appellate court affirmed a Board decision—in spite of findings by...

NY Board Has Broad Discretion in Reviewing § 114-a Issues NY Board Has Broad Discretion in Reviewing § 114-a Issues
May 24, 2021

Employee’s Action Against Employer’s Comp Insurer For Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound Barred by Exclusivity

In a divided decision, the Supreme Court of Wisconsin affirmed a finding by the state’s Court of Appeals that the exclusive remedy provisions of the Wisconsin Workers’ Compensation Act barred...

Employee’s Action Against Employer’s Comp Insurer For Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound Barred by Exclusivity Employee’s Action Against Employer’s Comp Insurer For Self-Inflicted Gunshot Wound Barred by Exclusivity
May 19, 2021

Staffing Company’s Should Not Conflate Employment Contract and Specific Assignment

Employment Contract Formed In Illinois In Spite of Contingencies Required for First Assignment in Indiana In an unpublished decision, an Illinois appellate court affirmed a decision by the state’s Workers’...

Staffing Company’s Should Not Conflate Employment Contract and Specific Assignment Staffing Company’s Should Not Conflate Employment Contract and Specific Assignment
May 17, 2021

NY Court Says Law Judge Must Limit Decision to Actual Issue at Hand

Illustrating the important point that a hearing officer or judge must stick to those matters that are specifically at issue, and not wander off to determine other questions that might...

NY Court Says Law Judge Must Limit Decision to Actual Issue at Hand NY Court Says Law Judge Must Limit Decision to Actual Issue at Hand
May 13, 2021

PA Tow Truck Operator Was Employee, Not an Independent Contractor

In Berkebile Towing & Recovery v. Workers’ Comp. Appeal Bd. (Harr), 2021 Pa. Commw. LEXIS 427 (May 10, 2021), the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania affirmed a decision by the state’s...

PA Tow Truck Operator Was Employee, Not an Independent Contractor PA Tow Truck Operator Was Employee, Not an Independent Contractor
May 11, 2021

Arizona Employee’s Idiopathic Fall is Not Compensable

In an unpublished decision, an Arizona appellate court affirmed a determination by the state’s Industrial Commission that found an employee’s workers’ compensation claim was not compensable because the employee’s injuries...

Arizona Employee’s Idiopathic Fall is Not Compensable Arizona Employee’s Idiopathic Fall is Not Compensable
May 10, 2021

KY Supreme Court Construes Agricultural Employee Exemption

The Supreme Court of Kentucky, construing the state’s agricultural employee exemption [see Ky. Rev. Stat. Ann. §§ 342.650(5) and 342.0011(18)], reversed a split decision of the state’s Court of Appeals...

KY Supreme Court Construes Agricultural Employee Exemption KY Supreme Court Construes Agricultural Employee Exemption
May 4, 2021

NY Claimant Should Not Have Been Permanently Barred From Indemnity Benefits

A New York appellate court held that while the state’s Workers’ Compensation Board was within its discretion when it found an injured worker had violated N.Y. Workers’ Comp. Law §...

NY Claimant Should Not Have Been Permanently Barred From Indemnity Benefits NY Claimant Should Not Have Been Permanently Barred From Indemnity Benefits
May 3, 2021

Split 9th Circuit Panel Overturns Injunction Favoring Golden State Truckers

Panel Says District Court Abused Discretion Last Wednesday, in California Trucking Ass’n v. Bonta, 2021 U.S. App. LEXIS 12629 (9th Cir., Apr. 28, 2021), a divided panel of the Ninth...

Split 9th Circuit Panel Overturns Injunction Favoring Golden State Truckers Split 9th Circuit Panel Overturns Injunction Favoring Golden State Truckers