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Can Employer Pass Workers Comp. Cost to Employees?

Employers cannot pass their workers compensation premium expenses on to employees, Massachusetts’ Supreme Court ruled Wednesday, Aug 31, 2011. The ruling in Pius Awuah et al. vs. Coverall North America Inc. followed a federal judge’s finding that Coverall misclassified actual employees as independent contractors. The judge then posed several questions to Massachusetts’ Supreme Court. Among other matters, he asked the state high court to determine whether state law allows an employer and an employee to agree that the employee will pay workers comp insurance costs. According to court records, Coverall entered into franchise agreements with individuals to provide commercial janitorial… Read More »Can Employer Pass Workers Comp. Cost to Employees?

Workers Comp Fraud With Check Cashing Firms

Florida officials, law enforcement officers and trade groups are working to stop check cashing companies from aiding workers’ compensation fraud in the construction industry. Officials are to investigate the role of check cashing companies in order to develop a legislative recommendations for the next year sessions. According to the officials, schemes involve individuals who set up fake companies that apply for a workers comp. policy. Subcontractors then pay the shell company to use the policy and obtain a certificate of insurance to show general contractors they have insurance. Once the job is completed, the general contractor then writes a check to… Read More »Workers Comp Fraud With Check Cashing Firms

Coverage for Nuclear Exclusion Risk

Willis Group Holdings has developed a new insurance product to cover business interruption costs for companies with key locations, suppliers or customers situated in the vicinity of a nuclear power station. The coverage would apply should they be forced to suspend operations in the event the plant’s safety is compromised and an exclusion zone is implemented to contain the damage. The cover was developed by Willis Global Markets International (GMI), a division of Willis Limited, as a response to the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan in March and triggered a meltdown at the Fukushima nuclear power plant. The consequent radiation leak saw the… Read More »Coverage for Nuclear Exclusion Risk

Renew Licenses Online in MI

A new state policy will let Michigan drivers renew their vehicle registrations online through their birthdays even if they do it close to the expiration. Now, motorists who renew online will be able to print off a temporary registration document until their new tabs and registrations arrive in the mail. You can get more information on Michigan DMV website

Insuring Against Employment Discrimination Claims

Employers commonly obtain insurance to protect themselves against the numerous claims that might be made against them that arise in the course of doing business. The more traditional of these insurance policies are comprehensive general liability (CGL) and directors and officers (D&O) policies. Employers, concerned about liability for their employment decisions, including liability for unlawful employment discrimination, increasingly have begun to look for more effective insurance coverage against such claims, because of the mixed results in coverage under the more traditional D&O and CGL policies. The move toward insurance against employment discrimination claims is fueled not only by the growing… Read More »Insuring Against Employment Discrimination Claims

Back to School: Driving Safety Tips

Avoid Cramming, Pack Right. Even though your son or daughter will try to fit every last piece of dorm room equipment into the car, make sure whoever is driving is able to see out of the rearview mirror despite a fully packed car. Nothing should be packed above seat level in order to avoid projectile movement of objects if the need to stop short arises. Pack right by making two trips or shipping what will not fit safely in the car. Take a Break. Whether you or child is driving, make sure to plan to take stops and break up your drive… Read More »Back to School: Driving Safety Tips

Are Riots Covered on my Business Insurance Policy?

As businesses in England begin to seek insurance coverage for revenue lost as a result of recent rioting, business owners and executives elsewhere might wonder how their business interruption coverage would respond to a sudden outbreak of a riot. Most admitted insurance companies do offer business interruption coverage built into their commercial property policies that would respond to riot-related losses. Beyond income lost as a result of direct property damage, commercial property insurance also covers income lost due to restricted access to the property. In some cases, the coverage will pay employee wages in the event of a business interruption.… Read More »Are Riots Covered on my Business Insurance Policy?

Prepare for Business Interruption

Attorneys and insurance experts offer these tips on preparing for business interruption and pursuing reimbursement from insurers: EVALUATE YOUR RISK PROFILE: Take stock of specific risks posed to your company, industry and area. Stay informed of developments that could lead to civil unrest. Perform the same evaluation for entities in your supply chain, primary customers and receivers. KNOW YOUR POLICY: Work with your broker or risk consultant to understand the limitations of your business interruption coverage, including duration and proximity exclusions. DOCUMENTATION: Insurers typically require claimants to provide evidence of damage or lost income, and proof of a government-ordered evacuation,… Read More »Prepare for Business Interruption

Subrogation Limits in Workers Comp. Cases

A ruling handed down by California’s Supreme Court represents a loss for workers compensation payers’ ability to pursue subrogation claims against certain third parties responsible for an employee’s injuries. Ruling in Seabright Insurance Co. vs. US Airways Inc., the court said Monday that an insurer cannot sue a third-party company when the hiring company fails to follow safety regulations and an injury results. The case involved an employee of Lloyd W. Aubry Co., which US Airways hired to maintain a luggage conveyor at San Francisco International Airport. The conveyor lacked safety guards required under California occupational safety regulations, the court… Read More »Subrogation Limits in Workers Comp. Cases