In our April 15th blog posting we urged Arizona to adopt a workers' compensation rebuttable presumption that first responders, healthcare workers, and essential "front-line" workers who contract COVID-19 have their workers' compensation claims accepted, unless the employers and their insurance carrier could show that the employment was not the direct cause of the disease. We said this because we heard that at least one major workers' compensation insurance carrier was going to automatically deny these COVID-19 claims. We argued that doing so would constitute "bad faith".
In-person visits to Industrial Commission remain suspended
With in-person visits still suspended, injured workers must navigate the Industrial Commission's online services and have hearings via Google Hangout with judges.
Minnesota, Illinois adopt presumptive coverage for most front line employees who contract COVID-19. Should Arizona be next? Yes.
Certain workers from Minnesota and Illinois who are most susceptible to COVID-19 exposure can breathe a sigh of relief. Why? Minnesota has enacted legislation that creates a rebuttable presumption that if certain employees contract COVID-19 their disease is presumed to be workers' compensation occupational disease. In Illinois, the state's Workers' Compensation Commission adopted evidentiary rule that similarily creates a rebuttable presumptive occupational disease for front line workers.
Not just an ending but a place to begin -- 'Praise Song for the Pandemic'
We wanted to share this beautiful poem with video because we value its message of lifting up the importance of everyday working women and men who toil for our common good and the need to be compassionate for the vulnerable people in our society. We hope that it lifts you up as well during this unsettling time.
Social Security recipients will receive economic stimulus payment; no need to file tax return, Treasury Secretary confirms
The U.S. Treasury Department quickly cleared up confusion about whether Social Security recipients would have to file a tax return in order to receive the economic stimulus payment from the government. On April 1, Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin explained, "Social Security recipients who are not typically required to file a tax return do not need to take an action, and will receive their payment directly to their bank account."
COVID-19: First responders, healthcare providers, front line workers who test positive should have workers' comp claim evaluated
As the sweep of COVID-19 makes its way across Arizona, healthcare and front line workers face increased risk of exposure to the virus, which has killed nearly 4,000 Americans as of March 31. In Arizona, about 1,300 cases have been confirmed, along with 24 deaths. However, the worst is likely yet to come as top scientific and medical experts say death toll in the United States alone could range from 100,000 to as many as 240,000.
In break from '16 campaign promise, Trump looks to cut $10 billion from Social Security disability insurance benefits
A president's budget is sign of an administration's priorities, and President Trump's proposed budget bears no good news for America's disabled workers, seniors, children, and poor.
Expect more delays from an ICA saddled with makeshift management system
Launched in May 2019, the new "ICA Community" online portal is not working as promised -- for injured workers, defendant insurance carriers, and even for the Industrial Commission's own employees.
Thankful for our clients
As we prepare to celebrate the holiday weekend, Brian Clymer Attorney at Law wants to take a moment to thank our clients for the privilege of representing them on their workers' compensation and Social Security disability claims.
Brian Clymer Attorney at Law earns accolades as regional "Best Lawyers" firm
U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers announced today that Brian Clymer Attorney at Law was selected Best Law Firms 2020 for being regionally ranked Tier 1 for Workers' Compensation Law-Claimants in Tucson.
