 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| Commission News | ||
|
Workers’ Compensation Commission News: At the recent Workers' Compensation Section meeting at the annual Bar Association Chairman Mastropietro confirmed that the Eighth District Commission in Middletown will not be closing but that the office will be relocating in Middletown. Workers’ Compensation Commission News: In November, Chairman Mastropietro, as well as Commissioners Senich, Barton and Engel were panel members at the Connecticut Bar Association Workers’ Compensation Section seminar dealing with cardiovascular medical conditions, including heart disease and hypertension. Attorney Jason Dodge, of Pomeranz, Drayton & Stabnick was also a member of the panel. During the seminar, excellent lectures and presentations were put on by many cardiologists associated with Hartford Hospital. Workers’ Compensation Commission News: 8th District to remain open. After great debate and despite severe budget deficits, various legislators, commission members and attorneys of interest were able to cobble together the funding and staffing necessary to keep the Middletown Compensation office open. The office had been slated to be eliminated in early budget proposals. The Governor announced this week, however, that the office will remain open. The office is of note in that it houses the Commissioner’s asbestos litigation program. Workers’ Compensation Commission News: The Voluntary Agreement for specific was revised by the Commission effective 8/31/09. The change adds in a line under paragraph 3(a): "Additional Information (if required)." This gives the respondents a place to clearly note if the agreed upon permanency is a compromise between two or more ratings. Thank you to Martha Pac in our office for making this suggestion to the Commission. Workers’ Compensation Commission News: The Middletown (8th District) office still remains open and there is still no word on whether it will officially close. However, there has been a rumor floated that the Compensation Review Board may move into the Government Building where the Waterbury Compensation Office is located. We will keep you posted. Workers’ Compensation Commission News: While there is still no official determination as to whether there will be closures of one or more of the workers' compensation commission offices, there have been some steps taken to oppose the closure. The Democrats, in their budget proposal, removed the proposal for the closure of two offices. Also, the CBA, after meeting in an executive session, voted to oppose the closings. It is too soon, however, to predict what will occur but we will keep you updated. Workers’ Compensation Commission News: A significant number of employees of the Connecticut Workers’ Compensation Commission will be retiring from the system this year. The retirees include, amongst others, office administrators, paralegals, court reporters, and clerical staff. Most of the employees who are retiring have been with the State for many years and have ably assisted injured workers, employers, insurance carriers and TPA’s in the handling of workers’ compensation claims. The State of Connecticut will be losing a wealth of knowledge and experience with the well-deserved retirement of these staff members. We thank these new retirees for their dedication to their jobs and help that they have provided to all parties in the compensation system; we also wish the new retirees happiness and success in this next phase of their lives. Although there has been no official announcement, we would not be surprised if one or more workers’ compensation commission offices will be eliminated due to budgetary concerns in the next few years. The State of Connecticut is obviously dealing with difficult financial issues and consolidation of commission offices might allow for cost reductions. We will keep you advised regarding any news that we hear. New Mileage Reimbursement Rates The Connecticut General Assembly recently approved the re-appointments of Honorable Commissioners Amado J. Vargas, Ernie R. Walker and Nancy E. Salerno. The appointments are for another five years. The Workers’ Compensation Commission website has now launched an online coverage verification service. It allows one to verify whether an employer in Connecticut has workers' compensation insurance coverage. It is based on the NCCI (National Council on Compensation Insurance) database. You can visit this website at: wcc.state.ct.us and click on the link verify coverage.
On April 4, 2008 Governor Rell named Daniel Dilzer of Kensington and David Schoolcraft of Hebron as the two newest Workers’ Compensation Commissioners. It is anticipated that for the next few months, both Commissioners will be assigned to all of the districts as part of the orientation process. By September, each of the Commissioners will probably be assigned to split their time between two districts. Honorable Daniel Dilzer Commissioner Dilzer has worked as an attorney at the law firm of Davila and Dilzer in New Britain. He earned his law degree from the University of Bridgeport School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Central Connecticut State University. Commissioner Dilzer serves on the State of Connecticut’s Victims’ Compensation Commission and has served as a Commissioner of the New Britain Housing Authority, the Berlin Board of Ethics and the Berlin Charter Revision Commission. Commissioner Dilzer also served in the Connecticut Army National Guard from 1984 to 1992. Honorable David Schoolcraft Commissioner Schoolcraft has worked as an attorney for the Rocky Hill based law offices of Donna-Maria Lonergan. He has served as Chair of the Hebron Board of Selectmen and serves on the Board of Andover, Hebron, Marlborough Youth Services, Inc. Commissioner Schoolcraft earned his law degree from Western New England College School of Law and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Connecticut. In August 2007, Randy L. Cohen was appointed by the Governor to serve as our newest workers' compensation commissioner. Commissioner Cohen is a board certified workers' compensation specialist . She previously practiced law as a partner in the firm of Corsello and Cohen of Norwalk where she focused part of her practice in workers compensation. Commissioner Cohen is currently sitting in Brideport (4th District) and Waterbury (5th District). There is a possibility that she will soon be moved to Stamford (7th District). Effective June 1, 2007 the Chairman has determined that Stipulation payments must be made no later than twenty (20) days after approval of the Stipulation. The 20 day period begins the day after approval of the agreement. See memorandum 2007-02. Commissioner Jesse Frankl and Commissioner A. Thomas White officially retired in 2007. Commissioner James Metro retired on August 31, 2007. He will be doing some per diem work conducting hearings in New Milford. Commissioner Paoletta and Commissioner Waldron will be retiring as of March 1, 2007. Governor Rell appointed Jack Goldberg to sevre as a workers' compensation commissioner. He was previously a commissioner for The Department of Public Utility Commission. Commissioner Goldberg is presiding in The Middletown office - (eighth district). In August 2007, Randy L. Cohen was appointed by the Governor to serve as our newest workers' compensation commissioner. She will be sitting in Bridgeport (4th District). Commissioner Cohen was previously a partner in the firm Corsello and Cohen where she focused part of her practice in workers compensation. Please note new statute books are now available in all the districts. Please note the Form 36 has been revised as of October 1, 2007. The Form can be obtained on the Commission's website. Please note it must also be sent directly to the claimant in addition to claimant's attorney. |
||
