Hello my beloved readers! And a very, very happy 2018 to you!
Your humble blogger is back, at least for now,
So what’s new in 2018? Well, here are a few things to look out for.
Minimum wage in California has gone up (of course!) and is now $10.50 ($11.00 for employers with more than 25 employees). Now, bear in mind, in some places, like your humble blogger’s own, beloved San Mateo County, the minimum wage is as high as $13.50 per hour. If you have a minimum wage employee currently on temporary disability, there’s a good chance you’ll see a demand for an increased rate.
Speaking of the TTD rate, as the State Average Weekly Wage saw a 3.6% increase, going from $1,164.51 to $1,206.92, anyone paying life pensions may want to calculate an increase based on COLA.
There’s also an increase in the TTD minimum, from $175.88 to $182.29.
What are you hoping to see in 2018? (let’s be realistic folks – from the litigation and legislation cookeries).
My wish list for 2018 includes:
- Some binding authority that vocational rehabilitation experts are irrelevant for post 1/1/13 injuries, as diminished future earning capacity is not part of the permanent disability equation;
- A reversal of the recent legal trend recognizing any “forceful blow” or any slip-and-fall as a violent act triggering liability for psychiatric compensable consequence disability (permanent OR temporary); and
- The birth of a new trend in which the medical unit issues panels with three doctors that set timely (I know this is a long-shot, but we can dream, can’t we?)
But, post important of all, I think we should all find 2018 to be full of success, good health, and happiness.
Let’s get to work!