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EROSION BY RICO OF EXCLUSIVE REMEDY OF WORKERS’ COMPENSATION. By Jerry Marcinkoski Michigan Self Insurers’ Assocation Executive Secretary Emeritus Attorney, Of Counsel Lacey & Jones, Birmingham, Michigan. R I C O – What is it? .
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EROSION BY RICO OF EXCLUSIVEREMEDY OF WORKERS’COMPENSATION By Jerry Marcinkoski Michigan Self Insurers’ Assocation Executive Secretary Emeritus Attorney, Of Counsel Lacey & Jones, Birmingham, Michigan
R I C O –What is it? • “Any person injured in his business OR PROPERTY by reason of a violation of …. may sue therefor in any appropriate United States district court and SHALL RECOVER THREEFOLD THE DAMAGES HE SUSTAINS AND THE COST OF THE SUIT, INCLUDING A REASONABLE ATTORNEY’S FEE …” 18 U.S.C. Section 1964(c).
HOW A SUCCESSFUL RICO SUIT VIOLATES THE WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BARGAIN • Exclusive Remedy Provisions • Federalism/States’ Rights Concerns
THE PLAYERS IN THE RICO CASES • The defendants • The plaintiffs • The amici curiae • Mutually Assured Destruction
BROWN ET AL V CASSENS TRANSPORT CO, CRAWFORD & CO, AND DR. SAUL MARGULES • WC Statute does not foreclose RICO suit • There’s an injury to “property” • So what if the plaintiffs settled their wc cases? • Plaintiffs win (temporarily)
JACKSON ET AL V SEDGWICK CLAIMS MANAGEMENT SERVICES, COCA-COLA ENTERPRISES, INC. DR. PAUL DROUILLARD • En banc decision: 10+1 vs 5 • No injury to “property,” it’s a personal injury • Defendants win • U.S. Supreme Court declines to review or reverse
DANGERS TO STILL BE AWARE OF • Jackson decision did not turn on exclusive remedy or federalism • Indications are that maybe congress could allow federal courts to entertain RICO suits to ensure a fraud-free workers’ compensation scheme • But, right now ALL IS WELL!