Topic coverage

Litigation

Workers’-compensation developments in Litigation, tracked across U.S. jurisdictions — each story grounded in the primary record with original analysis of what it means for the market.

Illinois appellate panel: a furloughed worker stays 'concurrently employed' for average-weekly-wage purposes

In J-H Alliance Inc. v. IWCC, the First District affirmed that a COVID-19 furlough did not sever a claimant's second job, so both employers' wages counted toward her benefit rate — pushing combined average weekly wage to $757.67.

June 5, 2026ILillinoiscourts.gov

Iowa Supreme Court reinstates co-employee immunity, reversing a $2.84M gross-negligence verdict over a fatal quarry fall

In Griffith v. Kulper, the court held that co-employee gross negligence under Iowa Code section 85.20 requires actual knowledge of the specific peril — not a failure to inspect — leaving workers' compensation death benefits as the exclusive remedy.

February 6, 2026IAiowacourts.gov