Bar Proposal Would Raise Weekly Indemnity, End Lifetime Benefits

Attorneys on all sides of the Alabama workers' compensation industry have agreed to trade bigger benefit checks for shorter disability duration limits, in a compromise plan that proponents hope will forestall a constitutional challenge that might invalidate the state's entire workers' compensation law. The 23-member bar committee, made up of attorneys representing claimants, insurance carriers, labor groups and medical professionals, on Oct. 17 released a draft of proposed legislation that most stakeholders can get behind, committee members said. Most significa...