Barnette v. Lowes (4/19/16) The North Carolina Court of Appeals overturned a Deputy Commissioner and the Full Commission Opinion and Award denying the plaintiff’s claim. The Court found that an “accident” occurred where plaintiff was “engaged in his normal work duty…” at the time of alleged injury, but there was an interruption in the normal work routine […]
This final segment in this “Cost Containment Strategies” Blog series addresses strategies for the end of the worker’s compensation claim. The considerations at this point in the claim are typically whether to keep the claim open and manage it accordingly or whether to settle out the claim- either on a “clincher agreement” or to pay […]
One of the most effective cost containment strategies for the middle of a workers’ compensation claim is offering the claimant a suitable return to work with the employer of injury or a prospective new employer through vocational rehabilitation. This leads us to one of the biggest advantages for employers, administrators and insurance carriers in the […]
Social Media presents an important- and free – tool for investigating and defending against workers’ compensation claims when used properly. Today’s Social Media, which includes, but is not limited to, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, YouTube, Twitter, Blogs- allows previously unprecedented access to the lives, actions and activities of workers’ compensation claimants. Through access to Social Media, employers/claims […]
This segment in the Cost Containment Strategies Blog Series will focus on the fourth initial investigation cost containment strategy- utilizing Rule 607(a) of the Workers’ Compensation Rules of the North Carolina Industrial Commission and Discovery. These tools help secure additional information about the following: The claimant’s relevant pre-existing medical history/condition; The alleged injury or condition […]
This segment in the Cost Containment Strategies Blog Series will focus on the third initial investigation cost containment strategy- tips for securing relevant Medical Records/Medical Information. Medical Records/Medical Information Pursuant to the June 26, 2011, North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Legislative Reform, defendants are entitled to have reasonable access to all relevant medical information. N.C.G.S. § […]
This segment in the Cost Containment Strategies Blog Series will focus on the second initial investigation cost containment strategy – considerations for the Recorded Statement of the claimant. Recorded Statement A Recorded Statement provides a great tool to learn additional information about the claimant’s educational and work background; relevant pre-existing medical conditions; whether the claimant […]
This segment in the Cost Containment Strategies Blog Series will focus on the first initial investigation cost containment strategy- background investigation for examining the alleged accident and the claimant. Background Investigation- Alleged Accident The employer/claims adjuster should investigate the background of the alleged accident/incident leading to the workers’ compensation claim. Examples of questions to ask […]
When a workers’ compensation claim is first reported, the employer/claims adjuster wants to be proactive and formulate a strategic plan for investigation to determine whether the claim is compensable, and if so, what benefits are owed. Again, timing is key. Start at the beginning- review the existing information and documentation about the alleged incident to […]
Mica Nguyen Worthy (Charlotte) recently obtained a favorable Opinion and Award from the Industrial Commission wherein a claimant alleged he sustained an injury by accident or specific traumatic incident to his back while working. Plaintiff received medical treatment without prejudice and his alleged back condition resolved allowing him to work an additional 8 months for […]
Whicker v. Compass Group USA, Inc./Crothall Services Group, Employer; Self-Insured (Gallagher Bassett Services, Inc., Administrator); and Novant Health, Inc., Alleged Joint Employer, Self-Insured, Defendants. NC Court of Appeals Opinion filed April 5, 2016. This is a case addressing the Joint Employment doctrine. The Court of Appeals analyzed each element of the doctrine that must be […]
When contemplating cost containment strategies for workers’ compensation claims, it is important to start at the beginning, as timing is vital. To provide employers and claims adjusters with a comprehensive discussion of cost containment strategies, this Blog Post will start at the very beginning – before there is even a workers’ compensation claim. As part […]
Workers’ compensation claims can be expensive endeavors for employers, administrators and insurance companies. The purpose of this Blog Series is to educate employers and claims adjusters on cost containment strategies available during each phase of investigating and managing a workers’ compensation claim. The goal of this Blog Series is to help employers and claims adjusters […]
Dawn Lane (Raleigh) recently obtained a favorable decision on a Motion for Reconsideration in an uninsured claim in which claimant sustained multiple injuries after being hit by a car in a parking lot. Our client was named as a defendant under the “piercing of the corporate veil” theory. Defendant responded to Plaintiff’s initial set of […]
Dawn Lane (Raleigh) recently obtained a Form 24 approval in a claim wherein a claimant sustained a left shoulder contusion and left hip contusion. Defendants had previously filed a Motion to Compel Compliance with Medical Treatment due plaintiff’s continued pattern of noncompliance with medical treatment. An Order was issued by the IC compelling plaintiff to […]