Workers' Compensation: Bill Sent To Governor's Desk By Associated Press - August 29, 2005
Injured employees who have to go to court to get workers' compensation payments could collect a penalty from the insurer under a bill approved by the Assembly on a 43-27 vote. The amended bill now goes back to the Senate.
Proponents said SB1023 would punish companies that deny proper payments to injured workers.
"This bill simply helps those workers who already have been through the (workers' compensation) process," said Assemblyman Juan Vargas, D-San Diego.
Opponents said it is too soon to alter a workers' compensation law that took effect only last year.
There already are penalties for companies that have a pattern of violations, said Assemblyman Ray Haynes, R-Murrieta. The pending bill could cost employers up to $10,000, he said, "penalizing employers for small technical violations."
Adjuster / Examiner Claims Examiner Santa Ana Unified School District Santa Ana, CA