New Bill Effecting Work Comp

The new bill, A.B. 1870, would require CA employers to post a revised notice that states an “injured employee may consult a licensed attorney to advise them of their rights under workers compensations laws” and that “(i)n some instances, attorney’s fees may be paid from an injured employee’s recovery.” In a recent article theCLM.org, BPK Partner, Jeff Adelson, comments on the potential impact the bill may have on the frequency of workers compensation lawsuit filings against employers. Mr. Adelson says, “At first blush, I thought, ‘Here we go, another way to push cases into litigation. However, after thinking about it, I do not see it making a big difference in the number of litigated workers’ compensation claims in California. I do admit it will upset the employer community. If the employer is following the law regarding posting [workers’ comp] notices, this is just another number on the list of rights. I think most employees know they have the right to file. They have filed or know someone who has. The right to file a [workers’ comp] claim in California is advertised on television, bus benches, and billboards. It is not a secret. I would be concerned if business cards or information about specific attorneys are on the wall or bulletin board next to the notice. In other words, no soliciting. How this unfolds is up to how the employers post their notices. Injured employees do have rights and these rights should be protected, as required by law. But actions and intent must be legitimate on both sides.” (theCLM.org)

To read the full article: click here

*Bill Would Require Employers to Post Notice of Employees’ Rights to Attorney/Articles/CLM Magazine (theclm.org)*