We've all had it happen. We think we have a case well positioned for settlement, when we receive a grossly inflated demand from opposing counsel with the explanation, "as you can see, this case is likely to be deemed Catastrophic." We’ve all had it happen. We think we have a case well positioned for settlement, when we receive a grossly inflated demand from opposing counsel with the explanation, “as you can see, this case is likely to be deemed Catastrophic.” What??! I evaluated it on a year of TTD, maximum. How can he say it is Catastrophic? DEFINITION The definition of Catastrophic injury is found in O.C.G.A. Section 34-9-200.1(g). The statute provides ... Continue Reading
Impact of Detention by Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Workers’ Compensation Benefits
With the increasing focus on illegal immigration in our current political climate one issue that employers and insurers are likely to encounter is what happens to an illegal alien claimant's temporary total disability in the event of detainment by the United States Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). With the increasing focus on illegal immigration in our current political climate one issue that employers and insurers are likely to encounter is what happens to an illegal alien claimant’s temporary total disability in the event of detainment by the United States Bureau of Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A simple review of the news reflects increasing action to ... Continue Reading
What You Say Could Be “At Issue” – Waiver of the Attorney-Client Privilege in Bad Faith Cases
Not every communication that falls within the scope of the attorney-client privilege is entitled to protection. Not every communication that falls within the scope of the attorney-client privilege is entitled to protection. Under certain circumstances, the privilege may be considered implicitly waived when justice so requires. This is because the public policy of protecting confidential attorney-client communications must be balanced against the equally strong public interest in the proper administration of justice. State v. Doster, 276 S.C. 647, 284 S.E.2d 218 (1981). Courts have found this especially true in bad faith insurance cases which by their nature “turn heavily on what an insurer ... Continue Reading