NEBRASKA’S MAXIMUM WEEKLY BENEFIT RATE TO INCREASE TO $1,130.00

by Baylor Evnen, LLP | Nov 30, 2024 | BLOG, NEBRASKA WORKERS' COMPENSATION, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

For work-related injuries and illnesses that occur on or after January 1, 2025, the new maximum weekly benefit rate under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act will increase to $1,130.00. The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court announced the change on November 19, 2024. The new rate equates to 100 percent of the state-wide average weekly wage, rounded […]

KIDS’ CHANCE IS SOLICITING SCHOLARSHIP REFERRALS FOR CHILDREN OF INJURED WORKERS

by Baylor Evnen, LLP | Nov 19, 2024 | BLOG, NEBRASKA WORKERS' COMPENSATION, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

Baylor Evnen is proud to support Kids’ Chance of Nebraska, a charity dedicated to providing scholarships for higher education to children of workers who have been seriously injured on the job. These scholarships help ensure that these children have the opportunity to pursue their academic dreams and build a brighter future. Our very own Tom […]

NEW CASE LAW IN IOWA REGARDING COMPROMISE SETTLEMENT AGREEMENTS ABSENT THE SECOND INJURY FUND

by Baylor Evnen, LLP | Nov 11, 2024 | BLOG, IOWA WORKERS' COMPENSATION, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

In Kingsbury v. Second Injury Fund, the employee settled with the employer via a compromise agreement without concurrently settling with the Second Injury Fund. As a result, the Deputy found that the settlement with the employer, absent the Second Injury Fund, made it impossible for the employee to maintain her Second Injury Fund claim. As […]

IOWA COURT OF APPEALS AFFIRMS SURVIVOR BENEFITS, RULING OVERDOSE WAS ACCIDENTAL, NOT INTENTIONAL

by Baylor Evnen, LLP | Nov 8, 2024 | BLOG, IOWA WORKERS' COMPENSATION, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

The Iowa Court of Appeals recently upheld an Agency decision to award survivor benefits to the widower of a claimant who died from a prescription drug overdose. The employer had appealed, arguing that the overdose was a suicide, which would bar survivor benefits under Iowa’s willful-injury defense (Iowa Code § 85.16(1))—a provision that excludes compensation […]

IMPLICATIONS OF MEDICAL MARIJUANA INITIATIVE 437 ON NEBRASKA’S WORKERS’ COMPENSATION SYSTEM

by Baylor Evnen, LLP | Oct 21, 2024 | BLOG, NEBRASKA WORKERS' COMPENSATION, WORKERS’ COMPENSATION

On the ballot for the November 5, 2024 election is Initiative 437, a measure aimed at legalizing medical marijuana in Nebraska. This initiative, if passed, would create a legal framework for the medical use of cannabis. While the focus of Initiative 437 is on providing access to medical marijuana for individuals with qualifying conditions, this […]