News and comment about California Workers' Compensationhttps://calworkerscomp.blog/en-usSun, 08 Nov 2026 07:33:23 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/rip-van-winkle-wakes-up/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/rip-van-winkle-wakes-up/Needles CA --- The last 20 years under the "reform" of California's workers' compensation have not been kind to injured workers. WE NÈED TO REFORM THE SYSTEM, AGAIN! More Later...Sun, 08 Nov 2026 07:33:23 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-82783dbac024-crm-holdings-ltd-announces-conference-call-to-discuss-third-quarter-results-finanznachrichten/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-82783dbac024-crm-holdings-ltd-announces-conference-call-to-discuss-third-quarter-results-finanznachrichten/HAMILTON, Bermuda, Oct. 24 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- CRM Holdings, ( Nachrichten ) Ltd. ("CRM"), a leading provider of a full range of products and services for the workers' compenWed, 24 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-ac2165fff8de-california-state-compensation-insurance-fund-selects-information-builders-for-business-intelligence-system-marketwire-via-yahoo-finance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-ac2165fff8de-california-state-compensation-insurance-fund-selects-information-builders-for-business-intelligence-system-marketwire-via-yahoo-finance/Information Builders, the leader in production business intelligence systems, today announced that California's State Compensation Insurance Fund has selected the company's WebFOCUWed, 24 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-b74b37ce7fcb-crm-holdings-ltd-announces-conference-call-to-discuss-third-quarter-results-pr-newswire-via-yahoo-finance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-b74b37ce7fcb-crm-holdings-ltd-announces-conference-call-to-discuss-third-quarter-results-pr-newswire-via-yahoo-finance/CRM Holdings, Ltd. , a leading provider of a full range of products and services for the workers' compensation insurance industry, today announced that it will conduct a conferenceWed, 24 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-2a97aaa45abc-graduates-may-keep-health-insurance-if-governor-s-bill-passes-orion/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-2a97aaa45abc-graduates-may-keep-health-insurance-if-governor-s-bill-passes-orion/Some college students may lose their health insurance after graduation, but not if the Legislature approves a health care bill Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote. The Health Care SecTue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-62a58f9e7645-nevada-alternative-solutions-inc-selects-david-corporation-to-streamline-workers-compensation-claims-and-reporting-business-wire-via-yahoo-finance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-62a58f9e7645-nevada-alternative-solutions-inc-selects-david-corporation-to-streamline-workers-compensation-claims-and-reporting-business-wire-via-yahoo-finance/SAN FRANCISCO----DAVID Corporation, an innovative provider of Insurance & Risk Management software, today announced Nevada Alternative Solutions, Inc., a comprehensive provider of Tue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-b2b3ae203822-l-a-county-tops-in-factory-jobs-los-angeles-times/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-b2b3ae203822-l-a-county-tops-in-factory-jobs-los-angeles-times/Businesses have many reasons to leave, but a skilled labor pool helps retain many of them. When Casey Loyd was looking to expand his spa-manufacturing business three years ago, sevTue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-e58c4777e8c3-gov-activates-medical-teams-to-treat-displaced-cbs-13-sacramento/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-e58c4777e8c3-gov-activates-medical-teams-to-treat-displaced-cbs-13-sacramento/Governor Schwarzenegger announced today the activation of teams who will provide health care to evacuees in the California wildfires. Deadly Fires Force Evacuation Of 350,000 HomesTue, 23 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-71d7aec2a9fe-from-sacramento-to-north-bay-event-to-explore-health-care-north-bay-business-journal/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-71d7aec2a9fe-from-sacramento-to-north-bay-event-to-explore-health-care-north-bay-business-journal/SANTA ROSA -- While Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger continues to battle for health care reform, North Bay leaders wonder if insurance is the only answer to improving health in CaliforniMon, 22 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-bc21bf61b389-gov-signs-health-care-insurance-bills-at-end-of-regular-session-north-bay-business-journal/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-bc21bf61b389-gov-signs-health-care-insurance-bills-at-end-of-regular-session-north-bay-business-journal/CALIFORNIA – Gov. Schwarzenegger took action on the last bills lingering from the regular session, vetoing 72 and signing 80 on Oct. 14, one day before the signing deadline. He sigMon, 22 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-dfdae4f8b1e5-judge-tosses-ibm-overtime-lawsuit-itnews/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-dfdae4f8b1e5-judge-tosses-ibm-overtime-lawsuit-itnews/A judge has dismissed a class-action lawsuit filed against IBM by a former employee who claimed the tech giant owes back pay to thousands of workers wrongfully classified as exemptMon, 22 Oct 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-3c8fcf239efd-u-store-it-trust-announces-second-quarter-2007-operating-results-acquisition-of-14-self-storage-facilities-and-marketwire-via-yahoo-finance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-3c8fcf239efd-u-store-it-trust-announces-second-quarter-2007-operating-results-acquisition-of-14-self-storage-facilities-and-marketwire-via-yahoo-finance/U-Store-It Trust today announced its operating results for the three months ended June 30, 2007. Source: U-Store-It Trust Announces Second Quarter 2007 Operating Results, AcquisitiMon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-579bc56b75f1-los-angeles-court-interpreters-vote-for-strike-pr-newswire-via-yahoo-news/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-579bc56b75f1-los-angeles-court-interpreters-vote-for-strike-pr-newswire-via-yahoo-news/Interpreters for the California court system here voted overwhelmingly to authorize a strike, citing management's refusal to put interpreters in a salary step system or bring theirMon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-5817e93c20b6-the-nazi-guard-s-untold-love-story-times-online/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-5817e93c20b6-the-nazi-guard-s-untold-love-story-times-online/Elfriede Rinkel was a loving Jewish wife. She was also a concentration-camp dog handler when women and their children were savaged to death by alsatians for sport. Now a widow liviMon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-636c9e59e0fd-schelen-running-for-school-board-pledges-to-bring-budget-expertise-to-davis-district-the-davis-enterprise/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-636c9e59e0fd-schelen-running-for-school-board-pledges-to-bring-budget-expertise-to-davis-district-the-davis-enterprise/Published Aug 05, 2007 - 15:07:50 CDT. Bob Schelen has officially entered the Davis school board race. He filed his candidacy papers with the Yolo County Elections Office on July 3Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-7e739c0df730-thousands-of-californians-gather-across-the-state-to-help-lawmakers-shape-upcoming-plans-for-health-care-reform-pr-newswire-via-yahoo-finance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-7e739c0df730-thousands-of-californians-gather-across-the-state-to-help-lawmakers-shape-upcoming-plans-for-health-care-reform-pr-newswire-via-yahoo-finance/Thousands of Californians are gearing up across the state to participate in CaliforniaSpeaks, a unique live, statewide conversation on Saturday, August 11, designed to gather togetMon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-90297ee895cf-compwest-celebrates-insuring-its-2-000th-customer-in-record-time-pr-newswire-via-yahoo-finance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-90297ee895cf-compwest-celebrates-insuring-its-2-000th-customer-in-record-time-pr-newswire-via-yahoo-finance/CompWest Insurance Company, a leading insurer of workers' compensation for mid-market employers in California and the Western States, recently announced its 2,000th customer, less Mon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-9bc76b0d40d4-report-pa-loses-21-449-jobs-in-manufacturing-in-a-year-pittsburgh-tribune-review/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-9bc76b0d40d4-report-pa-loses-21-449-jobs-in-manufacturing-in-a-year-pittsburgh-tribune-review/Pennsylvania's industrial base lost 303 manufacturers and 21,449 jobs since May 2006, and manufacturing employment fell 2.3 percent over the past 12 months, the Manufacturers' NewsMon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-9ce408ceb977-kaiser-profits-more-than-double-in-first-half-business-insurance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-9ce408ceb977-kaiser-profits-more-than-double-in-first-half-business-insurance/OAKLAND, Calif.—Kaiser Permanente reported significantly higher profits for the first half of 2007 due to a sizeable reduction in reserves for professional liability and workers coMon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-f92f87728749-budget-stalemate-wreaks-havoc-on-nonprofits-services-ksbw-salinas/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-f92f87728749-budget-stalemate-wreaks-havoc-on-nonprofits-services-ksbw-salinas/SANTA CRUZ, Calif. -- Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger is showing signs of frustration with Senate Republicans who have failed to pass a state budget. Many say that the stalemate is hurtMon, 06 Aug 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-2e818b1babd7-protest-cancels-campus-talk-chancellor-pickets-were-not-following-community-principles-the-davis-enterprise/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-2e818b1babd7-protest-cancels-campus-talk-chancellor-pickets-were-not-following-community-principles-the-davis-enterprise/Published May 04, 2007 - 14:22:21 CDT. Twenty UC Davis food service workers and supporters shut down the chancellor's brown-bag chat by staging a protest at Thursday's noon event oSun, 06 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-ed4e39a15efe-food-workers-sit-in-huge-protest-takes-over-major-davis-intersection-the-davis-enterprise/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-ed4e39a15efe-food-workers-sit-in-huge-protest-takes-over-major-davis-intersection-the-davis-enterprise/Published May 02, 2007 - 14:02:06 CDT. In one of the city's biggest protests in recent memory, hundreds of UC Davis food workers and supporters marched down Russell Boulevard, and Sun, 06 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-07b0baa3995b-odd-bedfellows-push-health-change-san-jose-mercury-news/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-07b0baa3995b-odd-bedfellows-push-health-change-san-jose-mercury-news/SACRAMENTO - As Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Democrats begin negotiating a plan to revamp the state's health care system, an unlikely band of interests is forming to demand changSat, 05 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-545dc518702a-health-care-forum-draws-leaders-daily-press/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-545dc518702a-health-care-forum-draws-leaders-daily-press/VICTORVILLE — A forum in Victorville drew local leaders and business owners to see how health care reform may affect the Victor Valley. Source: Health care forum draws leaders (DaiSat, 05 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-022b5bf5aba8-wcab-reform-did-not-alter-apportionment-formula-s-c-metropolitan-news-enterprise/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-022b5bf5aba8-wcab-reform-did-not-alter-apportionment-formula-s-c-metropolitan-news-enterprise/Legislation reforming California’s workers’ compensation system did not alter the formula for apportionment of permanent disability, the state Supreme Court unanimously ruled yesteFri, 04 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-1c4f8c03f360-20-minutes-with-the-governor-kqed-capital-notes/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-1c4f8c03f360-20-minutes-with-the-governor-kqed-capital-notes/Tanker truck safety. Health care. Prisons. Redistricting. Global warming. Indian gaming. Special interests. If this were Jeopardy, that would be the answer. And the question would Fri, 04 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-2704259512aa-ad-campaign-by-gambling-tribe-features-schwarzenegger-the-fresno-bee/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-2704259512aa-ad-campaign-by-gambling-tribe-features-schwarzenegger-the-fresno-bee/Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger says he doesn't take campaign contributions from Indian tribes because he negotiates gambling compacts with them and wants to avoid the appearance of a qFri, 04 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-37e2be6f701d-poway-mortuary-cited-for-workers-comp-lapse-north-county-times/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-37e2be6f701d-poway-mortuary-cited-for-workers-comp-lapse-north-county-times/POWAY -- Poway Bernardo Mortuary found itself in trouble with the state for the second time in a month this week, after an inspector paid a surprise visit to the business and citedFri, 04 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-7b91e0912462-california-s-point-man-for-prison-health-orange-county-register/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-7b91e0912462-california-s-point-man-for-prison-health-orange-county-register/Robert Sillen is driven by two principles – quality health care and full access – and he doesn't mind trampling bureaucrats and legislators to achieve them. Source: California’s poFri, 04 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-fa80d9d0e55b-calif-supreme-court-rules-on-comp-apportionment-business-insurance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-fa80d9d0e55b-calif-supreme-court-rules-on-comp-apportionment-business-insurance/SAN FRANCISCO—The California Supreme Court handed employers a victory Thursday, ruling that workers compensation reforms adopted in 2004 did not alter apportionment of employer resFri, 04 May 2007 07:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-322fdfb79589-california-gov-schwarzenegger-s-universal-health-proposal-could-conflict-with-effort-to-balance-federal-budget-medical-news-today/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-322fdfb79589-california-gov-schwarzenegger-s-universal-health-proposal-could-conflict-with-effort-to-balance-federal-budget-medical-news-today/A proposal recently announced by California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger (R) that would require all state residents to obtain health insurance is "putting him on a collision course wFri, 02 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-4d17beee38ee-state-health-care-briefing-set-for-tuesday-times-standard/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-4d17beee38ee-state-health-care-briefing-set-for-tuesday-times-standard/Anyone curious about Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's proposed health-care reform plan may have a chance to get their questions answered next week. Staff from the governor's office plaFri, 02 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-af34869c52aa-reforms-have-more-returning-to-work-palm-springs-and-coachella-valley-local-news-and-guides/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-af34869c52aa-reforms-have-more-returning-to-work-palm-springs-and-coachella-valley-local-news-and-guides/More disabled workers are returning to work now than did under the old system of workers compensation that was overhauled earlier this decade, according to a new study released WedFri, 02 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-21c218f67d16-workers-compensation-reforms-and-their-impact-on-experience-rating-san-diego-daily-transcript-via-yahoo-news/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-21c218f67d16-workers-compensation-reforms-and-their-impact-on-experience-rating-san-diego-daily-transcript-via-yahoo-news/The California workers' compensation system has undergone major reforms in the past four years, and these reforms have had a significant impact on workers' compensation rates and mThu, 01 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-5756b44b2480-crm-holdings-lowers-full-year-outlook-ap-via-yahoo-finance/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-5756b44b2480-crm-holdings-lowers-full-year-outlook-ap-via-yahoo-finance/Bermuda-based insurer CRM Holdings Ltd., which provides and manages workers' compensation plans, lowered the bottom end of its full-year earnings guidance on Thursday, citing a comThu, 01 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-6046d2d8b8b2-workers-compensation-issues-in-long-term-care-san-diego-daily-transcript-via-yahoo-news/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-6046d2d8b8b2-workers-compensation-issues-in-long-term-care-san-diego-daily-transcript-via-yahoo-news/Major reforms to California's workers' compensation system over the past four years have had a significant impact on compensation rates and medical and indemnity losses. Source: WoThu, 01 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-61c5cbda71a0-workers-locked-out-of-oakland-construction-site-cbs-5-bay-area/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-61c5cbda71a0-workers-locked-out-of-oakland-construction-site-cbs-5-bay-area/About 200 workers were locked out of an Oakland construction site Thursday morning and are claiming that the general contractor, UPA California, is refusing to pay them unless theyThu, 01 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-c8c2d1bc909d-calif-commissioner-to-examine-broker-disclosure-workers-comp-issues-insurance-journal/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-c8c2d1bc909d-calif-commissioner-to-examine-broker-disclosure-workers-comp-issues-insurance-journal/California Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner may have three major priorities for his office — to make his office non-partisan, to fight insurance fraud and to prepare the state Thu, 01 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-cc2706f56855-calif-permanently-disabled-return-to-work-rates-up-5-insurance-journal/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-cc2706f56855-calif-permanently-disabled-return-to-work-rates-up-5-insurance-journal/California's Division of Workers' Compensation (DWC) has released return-to-work rate information on permanently disabled workers that shows a more than five percent average increaThu, 01 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-f74899fc63c3-schwarzenegger-s-health-plan-could-meet-same-fate-as-davis-san-diego-daily-transcript-via-yahoo-news/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/wp-f74899fc63c3-schwarzenegger-s-health-plan-could-meet-same-fate-as-davis-san-diego-daily-transcript-via-yahoo-news/SACRAMENTO (AP) -- The last time California passed a major health reform law, Gray Davis was governor. And in just more than a year, both he and the law were gone. Source: SchwarzeThu, 01 Feb 2007 08:00:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1586-schwarzenegger-to-hold-the-line/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1586-schwarzenegger-to-hold-the-line/From today's LA Times article:"The workers' comp issue, though red-hot during the 2003 recall campaign, hasn't had much of an airing this election season. Schwarzenegger vows to hoTue, 17 Oct 2006 10:40:39 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1585-administrative-director-predicts-no-rise-in-pd-rates/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1585-administrative-director-predicts-no-rise-in-pd-rates/Via WorkCompCentral:California's top workers' compensation official said Wednesday that she will not adjust the Permanent Disability Rating Schedule to increase benefits if researcThu, 21 Sep 2006 11:46:10 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1583-the-bill-is-on-the-governor-s-desk/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1583-the-bill-is-on-the-governor-s-desk/I wrote this about two weeks ago and never got a chance to post it...Okay, SB 815 is on the governor's desk for signature. The bill essentially phases in a doubling of permanent diThu, 21 Sep 2006 11:42:42 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1584-governator-terminates-benefits-upgrade/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1584-governator-terminates-benefits-upgrade/WorkCompCentral reports:California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger on Tuesday vetoed Senate Bill 815, a measure that would have doubled permanent disability benefits over three years. "Wed, 20 Sep 2006 12:43:46 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1582-today-s-the-day/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1582-today-s-the-day/Today's the last day for Sen. Perata and the State Assembly to live up to what legislators have been promising injured workers all year: that they would fix the draconian cuts madeThu, 31 Aug 2006 12:28:32 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1581-maybe-i-was-wrong/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1581-maybe-i-was-wrong/Okay, I take it back. State Sen. Perata has put forth a bill that will amend the amount of permanent disability awards and significantly increase them starting with 2007. Analysts Fri, 25 Aug 2006 13:04:09 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1580-do-you-smell-the-sellout/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1580-do-you-smell-the-sellout/The Governor and the democratic leaders of the legislature announced an increase in the minimum wage. Buried in the story is a minor concession for "some" injured workers, the righTue, 22 Aug 2006 11:38:26 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1579-dreaming-of-an-increase/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1579-dreaming-of-an-increase/According to a report in WorkCompCentral, California State Senate President, Don Perata has promised a bill intended to "fix" the permanent disability schedule on the governor's deFri, 04 Aug 2006 11:56:00 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1578-if-you-are-hurt-report-your-injury/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1578-if-you-are-hurt-report-your-injury/One of the common mistakes injured workers make is this: they don't report their injury in a timely manner. Keep in mind, an employer can't provide medical treatment or benefits ifSat, 17 Jun 2006 13:44:36 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1577-for-those-who-are-wishing-and-hoping/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1577-for-those-who-are-wishing-and-hoping/Here is the administration's response to the study that demonstrates that worker benefits under SB 899 have been severely cut:"Administration officials, however, said the study is Wed, 15 Feb 2006 07:27:46 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1576-will-injured-workers-get-relief/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1576-will-injured-workers-get-relief/The State of California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation has released a report recommending that the permanent disability schedule proposed by Andrea Hoch,Sat, 11 Feb 2006 04:57:26 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1575-finally-a-break-for-injured-workers/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1575-finally-a-break-for-injured-workers/A recent Court of Appeals decision has clarified the formula that should be used in determining permanent disability awards after apportionment to a prior award. In Gallo v. Dykes,Wed, 21 Dec 2005 14:41:31 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1574-site-of-litigation-has-moved/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1574-site-of-litigation-has-moved/I was talking with a defense attorney yesterday and commiserating about the increase of doctor depositions. The new statutes intended to reduce dueling doctors by the use of agreedTue, 20 Dec 2005 17:04:23 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1573-utilization-review-denies-treatment/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1573-utilization-review-denies-treatment/The workers' compensation reforms of late 2003 did two things that have seriously impacted the benefits of injured workers, the reforms eliminated vocational rehabiliation and instMon, 19 Dec 2005 14:17:08 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1572-the-outlook-for-2006/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1572-the-outlook-for-2006/Conventional wisdom among applicant and defense attorneys acknowledges that the 05 Permanent Disability Schedule has gone too far. After numerous seminars it is now clear that the Sun, 18 Dec 2005 16:47:25 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1571-governor-s-loss-what-does-it-mean/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1571-governor-s-loss-what-does-it-mean/The Governor lost. Now what? Does that mean that the legislature can clean up the mess made by SB 899? Not likely, I think. The democratic legislature has shown a complete lack of Thu, 10 Nov 2005 14:29:54 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1570-reforms-gaining-momentum/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1570-reforms-gaining-momentum/Yes, for sure the reforms are kicking in and injured workers are getting screwed. Recent studies released by rating experts indicate that the average reduction in percentage disabiFri, 26 Aug 2005 22:22:29 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1569-injured-worker-horror-stories/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1569-injured-worker-horror-stories/Voters Injured at Work is posting 19 days of permanent disability horror stories. The first installment: "About Me: My name is Sandra Howell. I’m 46, married and I live in BeaumontSat, 20 Aug 2005 12:55:46 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1568-okay-it-s-official-premiums-are-down/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1568-okay-it-s-official-premiums-are-down/It must be official, the LA Times is reporting that "employers are reaping the benefits" of the workers' compensation reforms. The main benefit is reduced premiums and several smalTue, 09 Aug 2005 12:31:35 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1567-upper-extremities-rate-higher-than-backs/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1567-upper-extremities-rate-higher-than-backs/Under the AMA guides, the maximum impairment rating for a failed surgical back is 28% standard. For nerve damaged upper extremities, post-surgical, the rating can be as high as 60%Mon, 08 Aug 2005 03:06:37 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1565-administrative-director-goes-beyond-the-law/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1565-administrative-director-goes-beyond-the-law/Andrea Hoch is not burdened by the niceties of the Labor Code or statutory interpretation. In providing the regulatory scheme she has demonstrated that if the facts don't fit her iThu, 04 Aug 2005 11:22:23 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1564-no-political-will-to-change-sb-899-in-any-way/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1564-no-political-will-to-change-sb-899-in-any-way/There is no political will to alter the SB 899 reform legislation in any way by any of the stakeholders, the legislators, the governor, or in the appeals courts. This is the story Sat, 16 Jul 2005 13:01:59 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1563-supreme-court-dashes-hope-for-early-relief/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1563-supreme-court-dashes-hope-for-early-relief/Lawyers for injured workers and injured workers are bound to be disappointed by the California Supreme Court's rejection of their lawsuit against the new permanent disability schedFri, 15 Jul 2005 12:58:28 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1561-rate-regulation-bill-dead/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1561-rate-regulation-bill-dead/The assembly insurance committee voted 4-0 to table Alarcon's rate regulation bill. Another example of the complete lack of political will to do anything to correct problems associThu, 30 Jun 2005 12:58:10 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1560-for-wishful-thinkers-appeals-court-decisions-are-painful/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1560-for-wishful-thinkers-appeals-court-decisions-are-painful/Wishful thinkers are relying on the good graces of the courts of appeal and the supreme court to overturn the draconian effects of SB 899. In particular, the new rules on apportionWed, 29 Jun 2005 13:05:06 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1558-applicant-s-attorneys-hear-legislator-s-mea-culpa/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/1558-applicant-s-attorneys-hear-legislator-s-mea-culpa/Friday at the California Applicant's Attorney Association summer convention, the "congregation" heard several democratic legislators utter their apologies for their votes on SB 899Sun, 26 Jun 2005 13:46:13 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/580-premiums-dropping/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/580-premiums-dropping/Zenith, State Fund, Employers Direct and Republic are just a few of the carriers who have made double digit cuts in their premiums for workers' compensation. Here's a question, howMon, 13 Jun 2005 14:10:38 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/136-the-definition-of-is/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/136-the-definition-of-is/Here's a link to my recent article It Depends on What the Definition of Is, Is. It was published on WorkCompCentral.Wed, 08 Jun 2005 11:44:23 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/135-bulworth-beatty-taking-on-schwarzenegger/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/135-bulworth-beatty-taking-on-schwarzenegger/Has Clyde stepped up to gun down the terminator? Or is he merely going to do his hair? That's the question after Warren Beatty spends his weekend commencement address taking on theWed, 25 May 2005 12:42:53 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/132-governor-arnold-makes-mess-with-wc-reform/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/132-governor-arnold-makes-mess-with-wc-reform/Here's a terrific quote from Larry White's recent SF Chronicle article: Crafted in secrecy and layered with ambiguity, SB899 has led to major litigation, slowdowns in an already brTue, 24 May 2005 12:53:21 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/131-study-shows-what-we-all-know/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/131-study-shows-what-we-all-know/The LA Times' Mark Lifsher reports on the Brigham study which shows that permanent disability awards will be cut more than 50% under the new permanent disability rating schedule. "Sat, 21 May 2005 06:07:31 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/130-garamendi-says-premium-reductions-not-fast-enough/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/130-garamendi-says-premium-reductions-not-fast-enough/A recent report in the Sacramento Bee states: "Not too many small businesses have received reductions," Garamendi told a packed hearing room Thursday at the Insurance Department's Fri, 20 May 2005 21:14:18 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/129-the-difference-in-the-rating-schedules/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/129-the-difference-in-the-rating-schedules/Just received a defense doctor's report which rated approximately 9% under the new schedule and 16% under the old schedule. This may not seem like much difference, after all it is Wed, 18 May 2005 04:55:18 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/128-sick-of-warning-labels/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/128-sick-of-warning-labels/Does anyone think that having an FBI warning on DVDs stops pirates from ripping off DVDs and people from buying the "stolen" material? Doesn't this seem like a huge waste of time aSun, 08 May 2005 16:21:12 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/127-labor-group-sues-over-new-permanent-disability-schedule/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/127-labor-group-sues-over-new-permanent-disability-schedule/The California Labor Federation has brought suit to overturn the new permanent disability schedule put forth by Administrative Director, Andrea Hoch. The suit claims that Hoch ignoFri, 06 May 2005 04:13:58 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/126-california-making-economic-comeback-that-s-what-arnold-says/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/126-california-making-economic-comeback-that-s-what-arnold-says/In a recent radio address the Governor claimed that job figures show that California is making an economic comeback. He credits the workers' compensation reforms for reducing the cTue, 03 May 2005 01:36:57 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/125-and-so-the-ad-is-confirmed/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/125-and-so-the-ad-is-confirmed/Andrea Hoch is approved by the State Senate as the Administrative Director of the Division of Workers' Compensation. This is the person who has instituted the draconian permanent dFri, 29 Apr 2005 13:12:37 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/124-hoch-voted-out-of-committee/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/124-hoch-voted-out-of-committee/The embattled administrative director of the California Division of Workers' Compensation, Andrea Hoch, was approved by the Senate Rules Committee and will go before the entire StaThu, 28 Apr 2005 13:00:28 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/123-defense-attorney-denounces-pd-schedule/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/123-defense-attorney-denounces-pd-schedule/Clifford D. Sweet III, former president of a defense attorneys groups, calls the new permanent disability schedule "socially unacceptable." He calls for the legislature to move quiThu, 28 Apr 2005 12:53:33 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/122-schwarzenegger-in-retreat/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/122-schwarzenegger-in-retreat/This USA Today article claims that the Governor is in retreat. Now if the Democrats in the legislature could just get the guts to stand up to him and make the necessary changes to Wed, 27 Apr 2005 12:32:49 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/121-insurance-commissioner-states-the-obvious/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/121-insurance-commissioner-states-the-obvious/Garamendi has stated the obvious, costs have fallen in the light of workers' compensation reforms, but premiums have stayed high while insurers reap windfall profits. Read the entiTue, 26 Apr 2005 12:48:53 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/120-governor-weaker-than-he-looks/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/120-governor-weaker-than-he-looks/Michael Hiltzik writes in the Los Angeles Times: "In recent weeks the signs have mounted that we are witnessing the twilight of the Schwarzenegger administration. One by one, the gMon, 25 Apr 2005 12:16:13 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/119-reforms-make-insurance-market-more-competitive/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/119-reforms-make-insurance-market-more-competitive/According to this article on businesswire, the workers comp insurance market is more competitive since the reforms. So the insurance carriers can recognize a tremendous opportunityThu, 21 Apr 2005 13:48:46 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/118-nunez-ready-to-fight-over-workers-comp-rating-schedule/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/118-nunez-ready-to-fight-over-workers-comp-rating-schedule/This article in the Sacramento Bee quotes Assembly Speaker Fabian Nunez as follows: "We need to put an end to what the new law on workers' comp is doing to injured workers, or elseWed, 20 Apr 2005 14:12:51 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/117-burton-haunting-capital/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/117-burton-haunting-capital/From Gilbert Chan's Sacramento Bee article: "Workers' comp has seen the last of John L. Burton," the then-Senate president pro tem said after hammering out a sweeping compromise paTue, 19 Apr 2005 13:46:55 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/115-workers-caught-in-the-gap/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/115-workers-caught-in-the-gap/Workers with 2003-2004 are finding it difficult to end their case. With benefits cut off they don't understand why the "reform" applies to their injury. Read the entire article herMon, 18 Apr 2005 13:26:31 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/114-governor-gets-credit-for-rate-reductions/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/114-governor-gets-credit-for-rate-reductions/The rating bureau has recommended a 10.4% reduction in workers' compensation rates. Governor Arnold gets the credit in this editorial comment >>>. It is more likely that these reduFri, 15 Apr 2005 14:11:47 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/113-insurers-complain-about-rate-regulation/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/113-insurers-complain-about-rate-regulation/A recent article in Insurance Journal complains about the rate regulation bill that is making its way through the State Senate. Read the entire article here >>>.Thu, 14 Apr 2005 02:06:57 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/112-politicians-should-remember-what-happened-last-time/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/112-politicians-should-remember-what-happened-last-time/From the San Francisco Bay Guardian: "WHEN THE DEMOCRATIC leaders in the state legislature sit down to negotiate this year's key issues – primarily education and a spending cap – wWed, 13 Apr 2005 01:19:28 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/110-an-open-letter-to-andrea-hoch/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/110-an-open-letter-to-andrea-hoch/SB899/ I am Disabled for Ever Dear Andrea Hoch, My cervical injury has left me permanently disabled and I am in extreme pain for the rest of my life. SB899 has just started to effeMon, 11 Apr 2005 13:43:48 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/107-carpal-tunnel-epedimic/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/107-carpal-tunnel-epedimic/"As our reliance on computers increases, Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) such as Carpel Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) are hitting epidemic proportions. More than 28 million Americans use Fri, 08 Apr 2005 10:52:50 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/105-burton-regrets-reform/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/105-burton-regrets-reform/From the San Francisco Chronicle: "Former state Sen. John Burton said Monday he feels betrayed by new rules that will cut disability payments to injured workers and regrets helpingTue, 05 Apr 2005 12:58:46 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/104-terry-schiavo-dies/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/104-terry-schiavo-dies/From the USAToday.com site: PINELLAS PARK, Fla. --- Terri Schiavo, the severely brain-damaged woman whose 15 years connected to a feeding tube sparked an epic legal battle that wenThu, 31 Mar 2005 15:50:01 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/103-la-times-from-injury-to-insult/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/103-la-times-from-injury-to-insult/Mark Lifsher's article, which includes an interview with Administrative Law Judge, Pamela Foust, highlights the backlogs and uncertainties preventing injured workers from getting tThu, 31 Mar 2005 15:48:26 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/101-pure-costs-are-down-rate-cuts-coming/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/101-pure-costs-are-down-rate-cuts-coming/The pure costs are down according to the WCIRB. Insurance rate cuts should follow. Will they? Article here >>>.Sat, 26 Mar 2005 03:00:40 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/100-voters-injured-at-work/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/100-voters-injured-at-work/Voters Injured at Work is seeking political clout according to this story in the Sacramento Union >>>. The question remains, does the governator care?Fri, 18 Mar 2005 15:40:27 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/99-confirmation-battle-continues/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/99-confirmation-battle-continues/The battle for the confirmation of Administrative Director Andrea Hoch continues. Insurance groups are weighing in and staying out of the fray. Read this article for more details >Thu, 17 Mar 2005 15:10:35 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/98-consolidation/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/98-consolidation/I recently heard that one of the largest applicant attorney's firms based in Southern California is consolidating its operations by closing satellite offices. Is this a harbinger oTue, 15 Mar 2005 15:24:41 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/97-chp-work-comp-fraud-unit-head-under-scrutiny/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/97-chp-work-comp-fraud-unit-head-under-scrutiny/The California Highway Patrol, under recent attack for a high number of workers' compensation claims, has temporarily removed the current head of the work comp fraud unit because hMon, 14 Mar 2005 03:12:33 GMThttps://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/96-cwci-reports-on-utilization-review-and-treatment/https://calworkerscomp.blog/blog/96-cwci-reports-on-utilization-review-and-treatment/The California Workers' Compensation Institute has issued a new report that looks at utilization review and the use of medical treatment guidelines in California workers’ compensatThu, 10 Mar 2005 14:36:54 GMT