Employer groups are threatening to bolt and trial lawyers are in open revolt as lawmakers spend the final days of the 2017 session haggling over workers’ compensation reforms.
The trouble began last year when the Florida Supreme Court struck down business-friendly reforms dating back more than a decade. Gone were strict caps on attorney fees and limits on disability benefits.
“I want to also talk about workers’ comp. This is, I think, maybe the most important business issue of the session.” That was Florida Chamber of Commerce vice president David Hart addressing North Florida business leaders on the eve of the current session.
"Insurance premiums spiked, hurting bottom lines across the state," Hart said.