Author Archives: Shannon
Safer at Home Extended
On April 16, 2020, Governor Evers extended his “Safer at Home” order through May 26, 2020. The previous order was set to expire next week, on April 24, 2020. The extension also included some changes, these include: Public libraries may … Read more
New WI Law for COVID-19
On April 15, 2020, the Governor Evers signed 2019 ASSEMBLY BILL 1038. This law has a key provision for Work Comp claims: It creates a rebuttable presumption that injury caused to first responders during COVID-19 is caused by employment. Here … Read more
Telephonic Appearances Extended
OWCH has extended the conversion of in-person hearings to telephone settlement conferences for the immediate future.
How Important is an Accurate Medical History?
Smith v. Zielles Tress Serv., Inc. – LIRC Decided October 14, 2019. Facts: Applicant told his treating doctors that he had no prior shoulder issues when treating for an allegedly work-related shoulder injury. Medical records showed Applicant had serious preexisting … Read more
FFCRA Effective Today
As a reminder, the Families First Coronavirus Response Act or FFCRA becomes effective today. The applies to employers who have fewer than 500 employees. The employers must certify why an employee is taking eave under the Act. This is a … Read more
The Overlap of the FFCRA, Unemployment, and Work Comp in Wisconsin.
COVID-19 update: Today, 3/31/20, is the last day for employers to lay off employees prior to FFCRA becoming effective. A few key points for Wisconsin employers and worker’s compensation carriers: Question #1: If an employee is laid off today (or … Read more
FFCRA Update
The Department of Labor (DOL) recently updated its question and answer section on the FFCRA, which came in response to increased questions by employers on how the FFCRA will impact them. Here is a summary of the DOL guidance: Employers … Read more
CARES (Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security) Act
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law by President Trump on March 27, 2020. This Act is designed to curb any potential recession caused by the outbreak of COVID-19. The Act included a $367 … Read more
Third Party Attorney Fees: Is Recovery Limited by the Insurance Policy?
Kasal v. Stryker – Court of Appeals Decided March 17, 2020. Facts: Applicant worked for Aurora Healthcare and was injured in 2016 when a product made by Stryker Industries broke. Sentry represented Aurora Healthcare and paid worker’s compensation benefits to Applicant … Read more
Stay at Home Order
WI Safer At Home On March 24, 2020, Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued a “Safer At Home” Order. It goes into effect at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning (March 25, 2020) and remains in effect until 8:00 a.m. on April 24, … Read more