Individuals that volunteer their services for not-for-profits are not eligible for workers’ compensation benefits, so the not-for-profit entity using volunteers is not required to obtain a workers’ compensation insurance policy. Continue reading Explainer: Nonprofits and Workers’ Compensation
All posts by Greg Lois
Notice as a Defense in Longshore Claims
It is the claimant’s burden to establish timely notice. Notice of an injury or death for which compensation is payable must be given within 30 days after injury or death, or within 30 days after the employee or beneficiary is aware of, or in the exercise of reasonable diligence or by reason of medical advice should have been aware of, a relationship between the injury or death and the employment. 33 U.S.C. § 912(a). The claimant is provided a presumption that timely notice has been provided. Shaller v. Cramp Shipbuilding & Dry Dock Co., 23 BRBS 140 (1989). Where one injury arises out of an accident has been reported, the claimant does not have to give separate notice of other injuries resulting from the same incident. Thompson v. Lockheed Shipbuilding & Constr. Co., 21 BRBS 94 (1988). Continue reading Notice as a Defense in Longshore Claims
Explainer: Who is NOT Covered by New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law?
Almost all workers in New York are covered by the Workers’ Compensation Law. of course, for every broad generalization like that one, there are exceptions. What are the exceptions to coverage requirements under New York’s law? Generally, see § 3 of the Workers’ Compensation Law. Here’s a non-exclusive list of some of the most commonly-excepted employments in New York: Continue reading Explainer: Who is NOT Covered by New York’s Workers’ Compensation Law?
Explainer: Special Categories of Employment for New York Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Wrap-Up Policies
On large construction projects the main general contractor may obtain a workers’ compensation insurance policy to cover all workers on a the job site – this policy is called a “wrap-up” policy. A wrap-up policy has an expiration date that coincides with the planned completion date of the project.
All the subcontractors should be listed as policyholders on the wrap-up policy. The general contractor and the majority of the sub-contractors should each also have their own separate workers’ compensation insurance policy. Continue reading Explainer: Special Categories of Employment for New York Workers’ Compensation Coverage
Who is an “Employer” who requires Workers’ Compensation Insurance in New York?
Virtually all employers in New York State must provide workers’ compensation coverage for their employees. WCL §§ 2, 3. An employer can be a natural person, an association or partnership, a corporation, or a municipal organization. Although circular, an employer is defined as “anyone who has employees.” Even just one. Continue reading Who is an “Employer” who requires Workers’ Compensation Insurance in New York?
Qualifying for Benefits under the Longshore Act
The Longshore and Harbor Workers’ Compensation Act covers employees in traditional maritime occupations such as longshore workers, ship-repairers, shipbuilders or ship-breakers, and harbor construction workers. 33 U.S.C. § 902(3). The term “Longshoreman” typically refers to maritime workers responsible for unloading or loading ships and who are not a master or member of the ship’s crew. Seamen (masters or members of a crew of any vessel) are specifically excluded from coverage under the LHWCA. The injuries must occur on the navigable waters of the United States or in the adjoining areas, including piers, docks, terminals, wharves, and those areas used in loading and unloading vessels. Non-maritime employees may also be covered if they perform their work on navigable water and their injuries occur there. Continue reading Qualifying for Benefits under the Longshore Act