Judge Denies New Trial in Hospital Stop-Loss Case

AUSTIN, Texas – A state district judge Thursday denied a motion for new trial in a lawsuit that workers' compensation insurance carriers argue could cost them $500 million in payments to hospitals for treating injured workers. Texas Mutual Insurance Co. asked 353rd District Judge Margaret Cooper to grant a new trial on the basis that Texas Mutual has asked the Division of Workers' Compensation to promulgate a rule on use of the stop-loss provision under the current hospital fee guideline. In October, Cooper ruled in favor of Vista Community Medical Center and against Texas...