If
the United States Department of Labor’s most recent report is an indicator of shades to come, there is a chance that
workers’ compensation in the United States may be subject to federal oversight in the future.
In the federal agency’s latest report, the department asserted that
state workers’ comp laws are headed “in the wrong direction”
and that the “exploration” of federal oversight and minimum
benefits should be pursued. NPR reports that the department’s stance
is likely in reaction to a fall 2015 letter from 10 different Democratic
legislators pleading for it to step in and assist injured workers throughout
33 states who have been affected by changing workers’ comp policies.
The report focuses on the numerous changes to worker protections over the
past decade which make it far more challenging for injured workers to
receive the financial benefits they need, especially the alternative “opt
out” programs in Texas and Oklahoma which grant employers the ability
to single out workers for unequal treatment. As such, the department is
now proposing the implementation of federal standards which would result
in federal oversight if state programs should fail to adhere to the given
guidelines.
Considering the fact that workers’ compensation-related bills are
surfacing in six different states, with more likely to come pending the
results of November’s presidential election, federal interest in
the matter is rising. For more information on this current topic and how
this may effect companies looking to implement alternative workers’
comp programs,
head over to HR Drive.
At Michael J. Doyle, Attorney at Law, our team of knowledgeable Albuquerque
workers’ compensation attorneys are following this situation with
interest. To find out more about possible changes to workers’ compensation
or for information about how our firm’s skilled advocates can help
you pursue your deserved financial benefits for your occupational injury
or illness,
contact our office online or dial
(505) 219-2176 today.