North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Experts React as Washington State Rejects Privatization Plan
On November 2, Washington state voters soundly rejected Initiative Measure 1082, which would have privatized WA’s workers’ comp system. North Carolina workers’ compensation experts, as well as other industry-watchers from around the nation, reacted with surprise at the trouncing that the Measure took. 58% of state voters said No to Measure 1082, which would have eliminated Washington’s fairly unique system, in which the State’s Department of Labor and Industries owns a monopoly on workers’ comp insurance. The Building Industry Association of Washington backed 1082; trial lawyers groups and labor unions opposed it. According to a member of the “No on 1082” campaign, “We told people to read the fine print, and in the fine print of 1082, they will see it has huge cost for small businesses.” Representatives for the Association of Washington Businesses disagreed and insinuated that voters had allowed the sloganeering of the “No on 1082” crowd to sway opinions.
Had 1082 passed, private insurers would have been allowed to sell policies, and workers would no longer have had to pay part of their workers’ comp premiums.
The North Carolina workers’ compensation system is structurally very different from the Washington system. But if you are a claimant who is having a problem with an insurer or an employer, you probably don’t care too much about the politics or philosophy. Instead, you want clear and simple answers to burning questions about workers’ comp practices and protocol.
To stay on track with your claim, keep focused on what you want out of your benefits. More importantly, focus on your long-term game plan – financially, work-wise, and otherwise. Aim not just to collect the benefits owed to you but also to protect your family’s rights and financial future. If you’ve been struggling with a difficult issue regarding your benefits, consult with a well regarded North Carolina workers’ compensation firm at your earliest convenience to eliminate hassle and generate best results.
More Web Resources
Measure 1082 Nixed
Business-Backed Workers’ Insurance Measure Fails
