Top Story: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Texas - Worker Fails to Prove Intentional Injuy Exception to Exclusivity

A Texas appellate court ruled that a worker injured in a motor vehicle accident failed to establish the intentional injury exception to exclusivity. Roberto Huerta worked for Swabco Inc. On Oct. 26, 2021, he and a co-worker, Rafael Mendoza, were traveling in a Swabco truck along Highway 181 when the truck veered off the road and crashed. Huerta alleged that before the accident, he “reported experiencing problems with the vehicle’s suspension to… Read more »

Ore. - Federal Court Rejects Worker's Petition for Higher Attorney Fee

A federal appellate court rejected a petition by a worker seeking a higher fee award for his attorney. Case: Hill v. OWCP, No. 24-7861, 09/18/2026, unpublished. Facts and procedural history: Jerry Hill hired attorney Charles Robinowitz to pursue a claim under the Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act. Robinowitz secured an award for Hill, then sought fees for his services… Read more »

N.Y. - No Summary Judgment for Worker Who Uncovered Hole, Then Fell In

A New York appellate court upheld a determination that a worker who fell into a hole after unknowingly removing its cover was not entitled to summary judgment on her Labor Law claims. Case: Jacobs v. March Construction/Consulting, No. 2024-09020, 09/16/2026, published. Facts: Lillian Jacobs allegedly suffered injuries… Read more »

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NA WCRI Sets Webinar on Drivers of Medical Payment Growth

Wash. - L&I Recommends 4.9% Rate Increase

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries proposes a 4.9% increase in the average hourly rate paid for workers’ compensation insurance in 2027. The increase would raise the cost of coverage by about $1.44 a week per full-time employee. Employers pay about 75% of the premium, and workers pay the remainder. L&I cited the rising cost of wage replacement and… Read more »

Ntl. - WCRI Sets Webinar on Drivers of Medical Payment Growth

The Workers Compensation Research Institute has set a free, 30-minute webinar for Oct. 15 to explore the drivers of medical payment growth in recent years across 27 states. The session will address key questions, including: How did changes in prices and utilization contribute to recent changes in medical payments per claim? What other factors may have contributed… Read more »

Ohio - BWC Boards Meet This Week

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation has set executive meetings for Thursday and Friday. On Thursday, the Workers' Compensation Board meets from 10 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. The committee schedule is as follows: Investment Committee, 10 a.m.-noon. Actuarial Committee, 12:45 p.m.-1:15 p.m. Audit Committee, 1:25 p.m.-2:10 p.m. Medical Services and Safety Committee, 2:20 p.m.-3:10 p.m. Governance… Read more »

Pa. - WCRI: Keystone State's Medical Costs Rise for Third Consecutive Year

The Workers Compensation Research Institute says Pennsylvania's medical costs per claim rose by 11% in 2025, according to a recent study. “This is the third consecutive year of growth in medical costs in Pennsylvania,” said Sebastian Negrusa, WCRI vice president of research. “Rising medical prices, partly driven by increases to the state’s fee… Read more »

Calif. - Barthel: How AI Can Turn a Defensible Claim Into an Indefensible Nightmare, Part 1

by Donald R. Barthel

Every generation of lawyers is promised a technological breakthrough that will forever revolutionize the practice of law. After more than three decades in the trenches defending California workers’ compensation claims, I thought I’d seen every snake-oil… Read more »

Top Story: Wednesday, September 23, 2026

Texas - Worker Fails to Prove Intentional Injuy Exception to Exclusivity

Ore. - Federal Court Rejects Worker's Petition for Higher Attorney Fee

N.Y. - No Summary Judgment for Worker Who Uncovered Hole, Then Fell In

News: WEST

News: NORTH

News: NATIONAL

Wash. - L&I Recommends 4.9% Rate Increase

Ntl. - WCRI Sets Webinar on Drivers of Medical Payment Growth

Ohio - BWC Boards Meet This Week

Pa. - WCRI: Keystone State's Medical Costs Rise for Third Consecutive Year

Calif. - Barthel: How AI Can Turn a Defensible Claim Into an Indefensible Nightmare, Part 1

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