Workers' Compensation

This survey period again saw the introduction of a package of amendments to the Workers' Compensation Act (the "Act") steered through the legislative process by the Chairman of the State Board of Workers' Compensation (the "State Board") and his advisory committee. Though not as dramatic as in past years, subtle changes could have significant impact. The bulk of the amendments arose out of the Board's increasing concern about fraud and abuse in the state's workers' compensation system. Meanwhile, the state's appellate courts continued to tackle the complex issues surrounding compensability of heart attack and psychological injury claims.

For the most part, the exclusive remedy doctrine, which bars a tort action for work-related injuries, withstood its increasing assaults.