Missouri Gov. To Sign Insurer Friendly Comp Bill

Missouri Gov. To Sign Insurer Friendly Comp Bill

By Steve Tuckey

NU Online News Service, March 12, 3:12 p.m. EST?Missouri Republican Gov. Matt Blunt is due to sign workers' compensation legislation sometime next week that trims the amount of coverage provided and limits attorneys' fees.[@@]

His office said the legislation, which has strong insurance industry support, must be signed by April 1 and will probably be signed sometime after March 28.

Steve Schneider, American Insurance Association vice president, said the legislative changes will improve Missouri's workers' comp system.

"While we believe there are additional measures, such as the implementation of more objective impairment guidelines and medical reforms that could improve this legislation, we support it and welcome the changes."

The bill's changes include modifying the definition of "accident" and "injury," reducing benefits when an injury occurs due to the failure of an employee to use employer-provided safety devices, and raising criminal penalties for fraud.

Other language eliminates coverage for employees who are injured while driving to or from the job and puts restrictions on fees paid to workers' comp lawyers.

In determining the severity of an injury the bill puts a physician's objective findings concerning an injury over a worker's complaint of pain.

In addition, the legislation allows for voluntary claims settlements and requires employers to file a report with the state within 30 days of an injury or accident.