Liability Beyond Your Workers’ Compensation Coverage
By Nicole H. Farley, Daniel P. O’Brien
Pop quiz! True or False? Workers’ compensation is the exclusive remedy for employees pursuing a recovery against their employer. The answer is of course false. The exclusive remedy doctrine provides that when an employee is injured within the course and scope of employment, the employer’s liability is limited to benefits payable under the state’s workers’ compensation statutes; mainly lost wages and medical benefits. Read full article from Fisher & Phillips

Supreme Court Rejects Six Employment Cases, Still Has Full Docket on Tap
Earlier this week, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to review six labor and employment law cases which had been presented. The Court showed no favoritism, denying petitions for certiorari on cases coming out of U.S. Courts of Appeal for the Second, Third, Fifth, Eighth, Ninth, and Federal Circuits and covering substantive and procedural issues, including age claims, disability claims, retaliation, and due process, among others. Despite its rejection of these six cases, the Supreme Court has a full docket of employment law cases for the current term. Read full alert from Fisher & Phillips

New Reporting Requirements May Impact The Settlement Of Employment-Related Claims
By Melinda J. Caterine
Beginning on January 1, 2011, certain employers and insurers were required to report settlements, judgments or awards, where medical expenses are paid to a Medicare-eligible claimant. The requirement applies to settlements, judgments, or awards established on or after October 1, 2010. In order to comply with these reporting requirements, covered entities will need to register with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as soon as they become aware of a reportable claim. Read full benefits update article from Fisher & Phillips

Don’t Believe Everything You See On TV
By Jennifer K. Achtert
While many of you have a wealth of experience with litigation – probably more than you want – other readers have been fortunate enough to go years or even decades in business without being part of a lawsuit. Some have recently moved into a new position that puts you front-and-center for lawsuit-related discussions. Those who are new to lawsuits are frequently surprised by the reality of the law, our court system, and litigation in general. Read full labor letter article from Fisher & Phillips