Miscellaneous Odds & Ends
News and commentary regarding workers’ compensation issues in Michigan.
Michigan insurance executive makes list of Top Ten Workers Compensation Fraud Cases. It has been reported by Crain’s Detroit Business that former CEO Jerry Stage pled guilty to embezzling approximately $2.6 million from the Compensation Advisory Organization of Michigan (CAOM) during an 11-year period. George Bauer, former bookkeeper for the organization, also pled guilty to one count of conspiracy to embezzle for his role.
Former Detroit Lion Jahvid Best has sued the NFL and helmet maker Riddell over concussions sustained playing football. He has also made a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Freep.com reports that Best suffered two concussions in college and two more playing professional football. His football career ended when doctors would no longer clear him to play.
The Detroit News reports that Northwestern quarterback Kain Colter and the United Steel workers have announced plans to form the first labor union for college athletes. The argument is that college students are generating millions of dollars for universities while not receiving any pay. There is also no medical coverage for serious injuries that linger after graduation. The NCAA and the Big Ten criticized the move and insist that college athletes are not employees. This debate has been raging for years and you can read an excellent law review on the subject here.
The Michigan Workers’ Compensation Agency (WCA) has released final disposition statistics for 2013. Magistrates gave just 20 open awards while denying 61 claims. Another 23 were found to be closed periods. It is clear that changes to the law are having a chilling effect on the payment of benefits.
To speak with a workers compensation attorney in Michigan, call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation. We are committed to protecting the legal rights of injured workers.
– Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. Hes been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.
Related Information:
Michigan counties get windfall of $2,581,929.00
