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Compensation & Benefits

Using independent contractors? Check your workers’ comp policy for legal time bombs

03/01/2007

If your organization routinely hires independent contractors, be aware that the language in your workers’ compensation insurance contracts could contain legal problems …

Employees’ ‘Injuries’ from Sexual Harassment May Make Them Eligible for Workers’ Comp Benefits

03/01/2007

Just when you thought you knew every reason to keep your workplace harassment-free, here’s yet another one: workers’ compensation …

Rendell’s health care reform plan sparks tax risk

03/01/2007

Pennsylvanians are more likely than the average American to go to the emergency room for treatment, a problem targeted by Gov. Ed Rendell’s proposed “Prescription for Pennsylvania” reform plan …

Hire ‘Casual’ Labor? Prepare to Pay for Injuries

03/01/2007

Businesses that hire “casual” labor should be sure to check with their insurance carriers or attorneys to see if they may be liable for any injuries that occur while the casual laborer is employed …

No duty to warn employees of obvious dangers

03/01/2007

In Texas, employers who don’t opt for inclusion in the workers’ comp system are responsible for their employees’ injuries if they fail to warn employees of hazards. But that duty doesn’t extend to obvious dangers …

New report offers ideas to provide health coverage to Texas’ uninsured

03/01/2007

The Texas Health Institute recently released a report that provides several cost-effective policy solutions for providing insurance to the 5.6 million state residents who don’t carry health insurance …

State legislature examines health care options as well

03/01/2007

Lt. Gov. David Dewhurst recently announced that the state legislature is looking for ways to amend Texas’ new business tax to enable more employers to provide health benefits for their employees …

Notify workers’ compensation carrier of potential claims as soon as possible

03/01/2007

Many employment-based insurance policies, including workers’ compensation, require employers to notify their carriers of a potential claim “as soon as practicable.” Insurance companies have been known to refuse to defend a case if the policyholder doesn’t promptly report an accident or injury …

How to comply with state’s new Mental Health Parity Law

03/01/2007

Shortly before leaving office, Gov. Pataki signed New York’s Mental Health Parity Law, which requires insurers to provide mental health benefits in all health insurance policies issued in the state …

FMLA may require reinstatement, even with work restrictions

03/01/2007

The FMLA lets qualified employees take up to 12 weeks of unpaid medical leave each year if suffering from a serious illness. The law also entitles them to reinstatement to the same or an equivalent job when they return. But what if the employee has a lingering work restriction, such as a temporary lifting limit?…