August 18, 2025 | Columbia, SC – MedLegalNews.com — A South Carolina federal court has dismissed a decades-spanning asbestos coverage dispute, ruling that a Travelers subsidiary has no obligation to defend a construction company in litigation seeking indemnification over asbestos-related injury claims. U.S. District Judge Sherri A. Lydon ruled Monday that the suit filed against […]
August 15, 2025 | Dover, DE – MedLegalNews.com — In a closely split 3-2 decision, the Delaware Supreme Court affirmed that 3M’s payment of defense costs in ongoing combat earplug litigation cannot count toward the self-insured retention (SIR) required under subsidiary Aearo Technologies’ liability policies. This ruling means the insurers’ duty to provide coverage has
Delaware Supreme Court Upholds Insurers’ Position in 3M Earplug Coverage Fight Read Post »
August 14, 2025 | Atlanta, GA — MedLegalNews.com — An ongoing workplace malpractice coverage dispute has reached the Eleventh Circuit, where Medmarc Casualty Insurance Co. is seeking to avoid defending a Georgia law firm in a high-stakes malpractice case. The insurer argues its policy excludes claims tied to misappropriation, conversion, or improper commingling of funds.
Malpractice Coverage Dispute Reaches 11th Circuit in 2025 Read Post »
August 13, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com — A catastrophic explosion at a fireworks warehouse in Esparto, California, on July 1 claimed the lives of seven workers and caused significant damage to nearby homes and businesses. The incident has triggered urgent intervention by state regulators and intensified scrutiny of workplace safety practices in high-risk
Major Workplace Explosion in Esparto Sparks California Safety Review Read Post »
August 11, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com — Long COVID independent medical reviews are increasingly dominated by Long COVID claims, according to new data from the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI). Although these claims represent just 4.7% of COVID-related cases, they account for over 80% of medical treatment payments, underscoring a seismic shift in chronic
Surge in Long COVID Independent Medical Reviews Signals Cost Shift Read Post »
August 8, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — DWC utilization review regulations suffered a major setback when the Office of Administrative Law (OAL) disapproved the California Division of Workers’ Compensation’s proposed updates on July 22, citing procedural flaws, regulatory ambiguity, and formatting issues. DWC now has a 120‑day window to revise and resubmit the rules ahead
DWC UR Rule Proposal Rejected by OAL, Revision Underway Read Post »
August 6, 2025 | San Francisco, CA – MedLegalNews.com — The Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau of California (WCIRB) has released its latest findings for 2025, revealing a paradox in the state’s workers’ compensation system: while the total number of claims has declined, total insurer losses have continued to rise—driven by increased medical costs and
WCIRB Reports: Losses Rise Despite Fewer Workers’ Comp Claims Read Post »
August 4, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com — California Insurance Commissioner Ricardo Lara has issued a formal warning to state lawmakers regarding the rising financial pressure tied to workers’ compensation costs. The statement, released alongside an official bulletin, outlines an 8.7% increase in advisory premium rates, citing elevated medical treatment expenses and longer claim
Insurance Commissioner Warns of Rising Workers’ Comp Costs Read Post »
August 1, 2025 | Oakland, CA – MedLegalNews.com– California has officially lowered the height threshold for mandatory fall protection on residential construction sites, according to new Cal/OSHA regulations taking effect this month. The updated fall protection rule requires roofing and framing contractors to provide fall protection equipment when workers are exposed to elevations of six
Fall Protection Rule Tightened for Roofers and Framers in 2025 Read Post »
July 31, 2025 | Sacramento, CA – MedLegalNews.com – California’s chief workplace safety agency is struggling with severe personnel shortages, according to a new audit that puts Cal/OSHA staffing shortages at the center of delayed investigations and enforcement gaps. The audit, released by a state oversight body, found that nearly one-third of the agency’s positions
Audit Uncovers Critical Gaps in Cal/OSHA Workforce Read Post »
