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Insurance

Can an injured worker double dip?

10/22/2008

Q. Can an injured worker obtain both workers’ compensation benefits and Social Security disability benefits at the same time? …

Using licensed labor? Beware hidden workers’ comp, wage-and-hour liability trap

10/20/2008

The general rule in California is that when an employer engages an unlicensed person to perform work that requires a license, that person is considered an employee, not an independent contractor. Essentially, the law puts the burden on those who want work performed to check to make sure the person doing the work has the appropriate license. Otherwise, the employer may be liable for any on-the-job injuries that occur.

The HR I.Q. Test: November ’08

10/17/2008

Test your knowledge of recent trends in employment law, comp & benefits and other HR issues with our monthly mini-quiz …

Disabled workers can collect unemployment if denied accommodations they ask for

10/14/2008

Employees who become disabled, request accommodations that never materialize and then resign may end up getting unemployment compensation. But if disabled employees fail to request accommodations, they’re out of luck …

Michigan joins other states needing unemployment bailouts

10/10/2008

Michigan’s unemployment fund is once again running dry. The fund has had to borrow from the federal government during the past two years to stay solvent, amassing a debt of $255 million. But as bad off as it is, Michigan’s unemployment fund isn’t alone …

New state genetic discrimination law exceeds federal measure

10/08/2008

Gov. Rod Blagojevich recently signed an update to the state’s decade-old genetic nondiscrimination law, which prohibits employers from using genetic information against employees. In some situations, the state law exceeds the protections granted under the federal Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA) enacted this spring …

Nov. 4 ballot initiatives may change Colorado employment law

10/07/2008

November’s election has special implications for Colorado employers because a number of ballot issues involve employment law. The ballot features dueling initiatives: four measures brought by organized labor in response to three measures sponsored by business interests …

OK to waive workers’ comp?

10/07/2008

Q. Can an employee waive coverage under workers’ comp laws? …

Holiday parties: Don’t let best of times become worst of times

10/07/2008

By exerting proper control over your holiday party this year, you can reduce everyone’s worries concerning the annual fete. Most important, careful planning will help your company avoid lawsuits as you ring in the New Year.

Reason prevails: No need to warn of obvious hazards

10/06/2008

Employers who don’t sign up for the Texas workers’ compensation system can be sued directly by employees who are injured on the job. But that doesn’t mean every workplace accident will result in a damaging lawsuit judgment …