Editorial: COA Decision Begs Further Reform

A Washington state Court of Appeals decision prohibiting the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals from determining whether settlements are in the best interest of represented workers should signal to lawmakers the need to build on the “weak-kneed” reforms of 2011, according to the Seattle Times editorial board.The appellate court on May 20 said the board is required to review whether a settlement is in the interest of an unrepresented worker under the 2011 reform legislation that allowed injured workers 55 and older to enter structured settlements. However, the court in BIIA v. So...