Critics go to court against new law

[Judi Lynn]

Posted on Thu, Dec. 01, 2005

Workers’ comp changed in August

Critics go to court against new law
Unions predict higher health costs

By RANDOLPH HEASTER
The Kansas City Star

More than 70 labor groups are challenging the constitutionality of Missouri’s new workers’ compensation law, contending it could financially devastate workers and raise health insurance costs for everyone.

A lawsuit was filed Wednesday in Cole County Circuit Court in Jefferson City, and labor leaders from around the state participated in a news conference to discuss the legal action.

Unions and affiliated organizations contend the state’s bill that went into effect in August is a significant shift away from the no-fault workers’ compensation system adopted in 1926. At that time, Missouri workers gave up the right to sue their employer in exchange for businesses providing medical coverage and wage-loss benefits due to job-related injuries, illnesses or death.

The new law, the litigants contend, will make it so difficult to prove that injuries are work-related that workers’ compensation benefits will be almost impossible to receive.

“This will have devastating effects on anyone working in Missouri,” said Garry Kemp, executive director of the Greater Kansas City Building and Construction Trades Council AFL-CIO. “We felt a constitutional challenge was very much in order.”
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http://www.kansascity.com/mld/kansascity/business/13296736.htm
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[depakid]

1. Wanna bet that insurance rates don't go down?

I suspect that they'll continue on the same trend- just as they did for malpractice in Texas and Florida when laws that limited injured patients rights to damages went into effect.

Yet another bonanza for the insurance industry- though I confess to feeling no sympathy whatsoever for any guns and gays Republicans who end up feeling the brunt of this. IMHO- they'll deserve exactly what they get.

[BlueCollar]

2. I agree

These types of laws should at the least have sunset clauses. Revisit within five years to see whether or not the workers have benefited...

[depakid]

3. the far right's laws rarely have sunset clauses

although note that when the Dems pass progressive legislation, those frequently tend to sunset out.

hmmmm. Wonder why that is?