From time to time, important information needs to be disseminated to our clients and workers’ compensation professionals. At Bleakley Cypher we publish informative newsletters when needed.
March 2023
The BCPWQ March 2023 Newsletter discusses the new magistrate appointments, mileage rate increase and maximum weekly wage loss rate.
January 2021
The BCPWQ January 2021 Newsletter discusses the new magistrate appointments.
March 2020
The BCPWQ March 2020 Newsletter discusses relevant new case law for employees traveling to and from work.
October 2019
The BCPWQ October 2019 Newsletter discusses the new Workers’ Disability Compensation Appeals Commission and reviews the new appellate commissioners.
June 2019
The BCPWQ June 2019 Newsletter discusses proposed structural changes that will affect our workers’ compensation system.
January 2019
The BCPWQ January 2019 Newsletter discusses the new mileage allowance, the state average weekly wage, and the maximum indemnity rate, as well as several new Magistrate appointments.
January 2018
The BCPWQ January 2018 Newsletter discusses the recent Magistrate appointment, as well as changes to the mileage reimbursement rate, the maximum indemnity rate, and the online workers’ compensation calculator for the year 2018.
September 2017
The BCPWQ September 2017 Newsletter discusses two recent Magistrate decisions that deal with compensability determinations for motor vehicle accidents and parking lot injuries.
December 2013
The BCPWQ December 2013 Newsletter discusses two recent decisions from the Michigan Court of Appeals that address the employee/independent contractor issue and the application of Stokes to closed period claims.
July 2013
The BCPWQ July 2013 Newsletter discusses a recent case on the issue of aggravation of pre-existing condition.
August 2012
The BCPWQ August 2012 Newsletter discusses the procedural and substantive changes affecting workers’ compensation claims handling and administration.
May 2012
The BCPWQ May 2012 Newsletter discusses the proposed amendment to the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Act regarding medical marijuana.
April 2012
The BCPWQ April 2012 Newsletter addresses a Federal Court of Appeals case that may allow claimants to sue under the RICO Act for fraudulent denial of workers’ compensation benefits.
January 2012
The BCPWQ January 2012 Newsletter discusses the changes to the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Act in regards to partial disability and the potential for retroactive applicability.
December 2011
The BCPWQ December 2011 Newsletter discusses the changes to the Michigan Workers’ Disability Compensation Act signed into law by Governor Rick Snyder on December 19, 2011. Below is a link that will take you to the full version of House Bill No. 5002, which was signed by the Governor and reforms the Act.
October 2011
The BCPWQ October 2011 Newsletter addresses the revised House Bill 5002 that passed the House Commerce Committee.
September 2011
The BCPWQ September 23, 2011 Newsletter addresses the proposed amendments to the Workers’ Compensation Act.
The BCPWQ September 12, 2011 Newsletter addresses the Commission’s Opinion on partial disability wage and rate calculations, the latest sanction imposed on an insurance carrier and possible statutory changes.
June 2011
The BCPWQ June 2011 Newsletter addresses the Supreme Court Order which offers guidance on partial disability, as well as Chief Magistrate Jay Quist’s new position.
May 2011
The BCPWQ May 2011 Newsletter addresses Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s new Executive Order and restructuring of the Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission. Also, recent decisions for employers’ credit/offset of unemployment extensions and a decision regarding the infamous “100-week rule.”
February 2011
The BCPWQ February 2011 Newsletter addresses Michigan Governor Rick Snyder’s recent appointments to the Board of Magistrates and the Workers’ Compensation Appellate Commission. Also, the first decision issued by the Board of Magistrates regarding the compensability of Medical Marijuana.
August 2010
The BCPWQ August 2010 Newsletter addresses the Michigan Supreme Court’s recent decision in Bezeau v Palace Sports & Entertainment (decided July 31, 2010), and clarification of jurisdictional requirements for dates of injury prior to May 23, 2007.
May 2010
The BCPWQ May 2010 Newsletter addresses the Michigan Supreme Court’s decision in Brewer v. A.D. Transport (decided May 10, 2010) that clarifies the Agency’s jurisdiction for out of state injuries. Also, an update is provided regarding new case law that involves claims against employers and insurers under the RICO Act.
May 2010 Newsletter – PDF Document
December 2009
The BCPWQ December 2009 Newsletter addresses the Supreme Court’s recent Order in the Loos case regarding independent contractors and the relevance of Tax records and documentation; the RICO act; and BCPWQ’s 2010 Workers’ Compensation Seminar Alert.
December 2009 Newsletter – PDF Document
August 2009
The BCPWQ August 2009 Newsletter addresses the Supreme Court’s Opinion regarding award of attorney fees against employers and insurance carriers, in the case of Petersen v Magna Corporation and Midwest Employers Casualty Company, (Decided July 31, 2009).
August 2009 Newsletter – PDF Document
Opinion from the Michigan Supreme Court – PDF Document
July 2009
The BCPWQ July 2009 Newsletter addresses the Supreme Court’s additional Order in the Lofton v AutoZonecase, as well as a concise analysis of a significant decision from the Appellate Commission regarding specific loss benefits. The newsletter also deals with the Appellate Commission Chairperson’s departure and potential replacement. Please click in the attached link to review our July 2009 Newsletter.
July 2009 Newsletter – PDF Document
Opinion from the Appellate Commission – PDF Document
January 2009
Please be apprised of several new cases regarding Workers’ Compensation Amendment as it relates to jurisdiction covered under the Workers’ Disability Compensation Act and upcoming Workers’ Compensation Law Seminar . Please click on the attached link below to view our newsletter which provides a brief analysis of the decisions and the practical implications of each.
January 2009 Newsletter – PDF Document
November 2008
Clients and Friends, please click on the included link to view our latest newsletter which will provide you with a concise summary of recent caselaw, involving new agency forms 105A and 105B, ADA Amendment, misconduct and wage loss, and Rico Act.
November 2008 Newsletter – PDF Document
October 2008
Recent court decisions involving wage loss, calculation of average weekly wage, and mental disabilities.
Wage & Mental Disabilities – PDF Document
August 2008
Recent court decisions involving intentional, willful misconduct and wage loss.
June 2008
Michigan Supreme Court issues Stokes decision regarding disability standards.
Stokes Decision – PDF Document
January 2008
Recent court decision regarding the definition of personal injury: Does Rakestraw Apply to Pre-existing Work-Related Conditions?
Rakestraw Update – PDF Document
If you would like to receive our newsletters please complete the contact us form. Include the word newsletter in the description field or contact our offices at: 616-774-2131.