An analysis of costs per claim and other performance indicators across 18 state workers compensation systems for claims through March 2020 for injuries up to and including 2019 show stable to modest increases, according to a series of reports released Thursday by the Workers’ Compensation Research Institute. The Cambridge, Massachusetts-based institute said that studies include experience on claims at the…
A motorist claims he was seriously injured when a garbage truck driver ran a stop sign at an intersection and struck his vehicle. Todd Brantley filed a complaint March 25 in the Madison County Circuit Court against Sanders Waste Real Estate LLC and Jack Stice, alleging vicarious liability and negligence. According to his suit, Brantley was driving his vehicle eastbound…
An Amazon delivery contractor claims she was delivering a package when the front porch stairs at a Shiloh home because unattached, causing her to fall. Victoria Melson filed a complaint March 15 in the St. Clair County Circuit Court against Jeremy Bochantin and Lacey Christ, alleging negligence. According to her complaint, Melson was working as a contractor for Amazon Flex…
Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has vetoed a bill that would have provided for prejudgment interest in the recovery of damages in personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits. House Bill 3360 “provides for the recovery of prejudgment interest on all damages set forth in a judgment in any action brought to recover damages for personal injuries or wrongful death, whether by…
A woman is suing a tree trimming service, alleging she was struck by a wood chipper that was attached to the company’s truck. Bailey Watson filed a complaint March 17 in the Madison County Circuit Court against James Hodge doing business as Riverbend Tree Service, alleging vicarious liability. Watson claims in her complaint that on Aug. 22, 2020, Hodge was…
Donna Godair of Granite City can’t sue Metro East Sanitary District over injuries from a fall near the Nameoki ditch behind her home, Fifth District appellate judges ruled on March 17. They affirmed Madison County Circuit Judge Sarah Smith, who granted summary judgment to the sanitary district. “Anywhere there is a moving body of water and steep edges, the risk…
Prescriptions for opioids and compounds continue to decline in workers compensation, but dermatologicals — particularly physician-dispensed drugs — continue to be a cost driver, according to the Workers Compensation Research Institute. Preliminary data from 28 states showed that the payment share of dermatologicals increased from 11% in 2015 to 21% in the first quarter of 2020, while opioids’ payment share…
State regulators have fined Northern Indiana Public Service Co. more than $1 million — the largest in Indiana history — for pipeline safety violations the utility has faced twice in the previous four years. The Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission ordered the natural gas supplier to pay $1.138 million in civil penalties for violations related to the company’s failure to locate…
An Illinois-based container shipping company faces proposed penalties of $156,038 after an employee suffered a leg amputation and crushed pelvis when he fell off and was then run over by a powered heavy-lift vehicle used to move and stack steel containers at the firm’s Chicago facility. The 30-year-old recent hire suffered the injuries after being allowed to ride unsecured on…
An Illinois appellate court has ruled a woman struck by a foul ball at Wrigley Field can move ahead with a lawsuit she filed against Major League Baseball. In upholding a lower court ruling, the appellate court said the plaintiff was not limited to arbitrating her case with Major League Baseball. It noted the arbitration provision was hidden in fine…
