AB 1329: California Moves to Reform SIBTF and Curb Soaring Workers’ Comp Costs

• News

April 23, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — California lawmakers are advancing Assembly Bill 1329 (Ortega) to confront the mounting challenges facing the Subsequent Injuries Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF). With costs skyrocketing and inconsistent standards driving litigation, the bill aims to strengthen oversight, tighten eligibility rules, and ensure the Fund’s future viability. Why SIBTF […]

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Subrogation Rights of First Responders' Employers

Lawmaker Amends Bill to Limit Subrogation Rights of First Responders’ Employers

• News

April 23, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — Lawmaker Amends Bill: California Assemblymember Liz Ortega has amended AB 1329 to restrict when public employers can recover workers’ compensation costs in lawsuits brought by first responders. Under the proposed changes, cities, counties, and other public employers would lose their subrogation rights if a first responder’s

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CA WCIRB Announces September 2025 Pure Premium Rate Filing

CA WCIRB Announces September 2025 Pure Premium Rate Filing

• News, Regulatory

April 22, 2025 | Oakland, CA – MedLegalNews.com — Workers compensation rates in California are set to rise, as the Workers’ Compensation Insurance Rating Bureau (WCIRB) Governing Committee authorized the September 1, 2025, Pure Premium Rate Filing to the California Insurance Commissioner. The increase is based on insurer losses and loss adjustment expenses incurred during

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Employers Hold the Wheel: New Webinar Urges Shift from Distracted to Focused Driving

Employers Hold the Wheel: New Webinar Urges Shift from Distracted to Focused Driving

• News

April 21, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com – Employers Hold the Wheel: Distracted driving remains a leading cause of workplace injuries, legal claims, and costly vehicle accidents. Yet according to a new on-demand webinar from Sentry Insurance, many employers overlook their role in creating a safer driving culture. The session, titled “Focused Driving Awareness:

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CWCI Reports 16% Increase in QMEs, 17% Jump in Panel Requests

CWCI Reports 16% Increase in QMEs, 17% Jump in Panel Requests

• News

April 15, 2025 | California, CA — MedLegalNews.com – CWCI Reports: The number of Qualified Medical Evaluators (QMEs) in California’s workers’ compensation system increased by 16% in 2023, according to a new report released by the California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI). At the same time, requests for QME panels surged by 17%, highlighting continued demand

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Worker Loses Appeal on AWW, Benefit Termination, and Doctor Change Request

Worker Loses Appeal on AWW, Benefit Termination, and Doctor Change Request

• News

April 21, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — Worker Loses Appeal on AWW: A California worker’s challenge to the calculation of their average weekly wage (AWW), the termination of workers’ compensation benefits, and a request to change treating physicians has been rejected by the Workers Compensation Appeals Board (WCAB). WCAB Supports Employer’s Wage Calculation

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California Licensing Boards Warn of Blackmail Scam Targeting Healthcare Professionals

California Licensing Boards Warn of Blackmail Scam Targeting Medical Professionals

• News

April 19, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — MedLegalNews.com — A new licensing board scam is targeting healthcare professionals across California, prompting a joint warning from the Medical Board of California, the California Board of Chiropractic Examiners, and the California Board of Registered Nursing (BRN). This latest iteration follows similar extortion attempts reported in 2019

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Committee Moves MLFS Update and Cost-of-Living Bills to Suspense File

CWCI: CA Workers’ Comp Med-Legal Costs Surge Under 2021 Fee Schedule

• News

April 15, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — MedLegalNews.com — CWCI: CA Workers’ Comp: The California Workers’ Compensation Institute (CWCI) has released a new study showing a sharp increase in workers comp med-legal costs following the implementation of the updated Medical-Legal Fee Schedule (MLFS) in April 2021. Although the schedule aimed to improve Qualified Medical

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Workers' Comp Rate Filing Hearing Scheduled by CDI for June 10

WCIRB Proposes 11.2% Hike in Workers’ Comp Pure Premium Rates

• News

April 15, 2025 | Los Angeles, CA — MedLegalNews.com — Workers compensation rates are set to rise as WCIRB proposes an 11.2% hike in advisory pure premium rates, citing rising claims costs and changing industry dynamics. The California Department of Insurance (CDI) will review the recommendation in an upcoming public hearing. The pure premium rate

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CA Court Reinstates Injured Worker’s Civil Suit Against Employer

CA Court Reinstates Injured Worker’s Civil Suit Against Employer

• News

April 15, 2025 | Sacramento, CA — MedLegalNews.com — CA Court Reinstates: In a pivotal decision, a California appellate court has reinstated an injured worker’s civil lawsuit against both his employer and a co-worker, challenging long-held assumptions about workers’ compensation exclusivity. Background: Injury on the Job The case involved a laborer, employed by a private

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