Senate OKs bills expanding WSI aid

BISMARCK — Injured workers who believe Workforce Safety and Insurance made the wrong decision in their cases will now be able to see an attorney who can examine their case, even if they don’t have any money.

Senate Bill 2059 was one of three bills the state Senate passed Friday that offer more aid to injured workers whose cases are handled by Workforce Safety and Insurance.

Under SB 2059, WSI will allow the injured workers a $500 stipend to have an attorney review their cases to see if there are issues that can be appealed successfully. Currently, the workers have to come up with the money themselves. It passed 45-0

Senate Bill 2056 will slightly increase the amount of mileage paid to injured workers to reimburse them for travel to medical appointments.

Currently, WSI pays mileage from city to city in those cases. The new law will reimburse the injured workers for actual miles traveled from door to door when they travel for medical appointments. While the increase will be only slight, it should be of some help, said Sen. Robert Horne, D-Minot, who explained the bill to the Senate. The vote was 45-0.

Senate Bill 2087 will have more workers whose vision is impaired by an on-the-job injury qualifying for a permanent partial award payment for loss of sight. It passed 45-0.

The bills now move to the House for more hearings.

Cole works for Forum Communications Co., which owns The Jamestown Sun

Tags: work force safety, workers comp, legislature, wsi, aid, funding, news