New York Workers Compensation Alliance

Private hospital workers, emergency medical technicians (EMT's) and paramedics who were dispatched  to Ground Zero after 9/11 will be potentially the first workers in New York State Workers' Compensation history to receive 75% of their lost wages, as opposed to the traditional 66 2/3% rate of compensation, based on a new bill passed last week in Albany. 

This is a significant victory for these forgotten heroes of 9/11 and another victory for the hospital workers' unions in Albany.  As reported in Workers' Comp Central:

• "New York Workers Compensation Alliance, which includes claimants' attorneys and other workers' advocates, praised the compromise bill Thursday.
  
  Troy Rosasco, co-chairman of the alliance, said a board member of the organization helped draft the legislation.
  
  "It is a great victory for some of the forgotten heroes of 9/11," Rosasco said. He said the bill will help bring parity with benefits already paid to public employees. "

Posted By WCA In 2007 WCA Workers' Comp Proposals , 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims , Legislation , Workers Comp Claims , Workers' Comp Politics | 0 Comments Permalink

Zachary S. Weiss, Esq, a lawyer and long time confidant to Governor Eliot Spitzer, was confirmed late last night as the new Chairman of the New York State Workers' Compensation Board.  See Mr. Weiss' biography here.  The New York Workers' Compensation Alliance wishes him well in his new position and pledges to work with him and his administration to better the plight of New York's injured workers.

Despite his new position, the Workers' Compensation Alliance (WCA) has been working with the new Chair since earlier this year on such issues as the "Rocket Docket Task Force" while he was Special Counsel in the New York State Insurance Department.  In recent conversations with the Workers' Compensation Alliance leadership, the new Chair has stated a strong willingness to work with injured workers and their representatives to improve a system that has taken a decidedly "employer turn" in the previous administration.   

The twin goals of speeding benefits to injured workers and lowering employers costs are attainable. For instance, eliminating costly and unnecessary medical depositions would help both injured workers and employers.  In addition, the Chair will be overseeing the implementation of revised medical and vocational guidelines to help determine an injured workers' true level of disability and potential to return to work.

Again, the WCA welcomes Zachary "Zack" Weiss as the new Chair of the venerable and prestigious New York Workers' Compensation Board.  He is a sharp, well seasoned professional. Injured workers need a strong advocate in their corner.

Posted By WCA In 2007 WCA Workers' Comp Proposals , 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims , NY Workers' Compensation Reform , Workers Comp Claims , Workers' Comp Politics | 0 Comments Permalink

Congratulations to Governor Spitzer, Senate Majority Leader Bruno and Assembly Speaker Silver for extending until August 14, 2008 the time for World Trade Center rescue, recovery and clean up workers and volunteers to register for protection for future illnesses caused by their work in and around Ground Zero.  Click here for further information and a blank registration form for your use.  If you worked or volunteered in or around Ground Zero after September 11, 2001, please register today for the benefit of yourself and your family.  Any questions, please feel free to contact the New York Workers' Compensation Alliance.

Posted By WCA In 2007 WCA Workers' Comp Proposals , 9/11 Workers' Comp Claims , Breaking News , Workers' Comp Politics | 1 Comments Permalink