Board's Ability to Collect Assessments from Trusts Hangs on Pending Appeal

Ever since New York's self-insurance program imploded about a decade ago, the State Workers' Compensation Board has been aggressively trying to collect from employers the liabilities the trusts left behind - but recent court decisions may be putting part of its recovery plan in jeopardy. According to the most recent report from the board, it has whittled the amount of outstanding claims against the now-defunct trusts from nearly $1 billion down to $107 million. The board has accomplished this, in part, by reaching settlements with about 2,000 employers that cover their pro rata share...