Comp benefits concern workers (cases reevaluated pre-privatization)

[Rose Siding]

Some West Virginia workers injured in coal mines, chemical factories and manufacturing plants worry they might lose their permanent total disability benefits if the Workers’ Compensation Commission begins re-evaluating all their cases.

Earlier this month, Greg Burton, executive director of the Workers’ Compensation Commission, said he plans to ask the state Supreme Court if he can review all permanent total disability, or PTD, awards going back to 1993.
If he can revoke some of those awards, Burton believes, the agency can reduce its $3 billion deficit more quickly. The state’s workers’ comp system is to be privatized at the end of the year, and Burton said he would file his legal question by then.
...
Jim, who also asked that his last name not be used, suffered serious injuries when he fell down a two-story chute inside a coal preparation plant. Eight back surgeries later, he has a small computer inside his body to help handle his constant pain.

“I earned my benefits. But I am stressed out constantly,” he said. “It is scary today, since they bought the Supreme Court,” referring to Brent Benjamin’s election to the court last year. The group And For the Sake of the Kids, largely funded by Massey Energy President Donald L. Blankenship, paid for numerous attacks against Benjamin’s opponent, Warren McGraw.

http://wvgazette.com/section/News/2005021916?pt=11

[thatgemguy]

1. WV is the most corrupt state in the nation

The '04 election proves that fact. Corporate and special interests control the government there.

People too stupid or too blind to vote for their own interests, instead they choose to "drink the kool aid".

Big money to be made off of "fools", just ask the gaming industry. Table game legislation hasn't even passed yet race tracks already have equipment purchased and in storage waiting. When the lawmakers are in your pocket, the common man just doesn't matter.

Look how many current and former Northern Panhandle legislators work for the race tracks in some capacity.

I'm happy I no longer live in WV...

[central scrutinizer]

2. "privatizing workers' comp"????

Boy, I'll bet that will really help the injured workers. I am sure the private insurer will have loads of incentive to be compassionate.