NEWS RELEASE: Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Maximum Weekly Income Benefit To Increase

Effective January 1, 2022, the maximum weekly income benefit under the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Act will increase to $983.00. This amount applies to work-related injuries and illnesses occurring on or after January 1, 2022 (https://www.newcc.gov/home/court-news/2021-7-news).

Career Opportunity: Statistical Specialist [Update: Position Closed]

This position will remain open until filled (https://www.newcc.gov/home/career-opportunities).

Annual Report, Fiscal Year 2021

Our 79th Annual Report features activities of the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court in Fiscal Year 2021 (https://www.newcc.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/annual-reports).

Public Hearing and Public Meeting: December 16, 2021

 The Notice, Agenda, and Proposed Amended Rules for a December 16, 2021 public hearing and public meeting are available for viewing or downloading (https://www.newcc.gov/home/public-hearings-and-public-meetings).

Decision Summaries, FY 2021

Summaries of Nebraska Supreme Court and Court of Appeals Decisions on Workers’ Compensation Cases for Fiscal Year 2021 are available on our website (https://www.newcc.gov/service-providers/attorneys/appellate-court-decisions).

Career Opportunity: Accounting Assistant [Update: Position Closed]

 The closing date for this position is October 22, 2021 (https://www.newcc.gov/home/career-opportunities).

Rules of Procedure, Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court’s revised Rules of Procedure are now available (https://www.newcc.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/rules-of-procedure). Amendments to Rules 3, 13, 47, 64, 65, and Addendum 2 were adopted at a public meeting on June 25, 2021. Non-adjudicatory Rules 47, 64, 65, and Addendum 2 became effective June 25, 2021. Adopted amendments to adjudicatory Rules 3 and 13 became effective September 15, 2021 following review and approval by the Nebraska Supreme Court.

Career Opportunity: Assistant Clerk [Update: Position Closed]

The closing date for this position is September 30, 2021 (https://www.newcc.gov/home/career-opportunities).

Notice regarding new Release of Liability option and new Release of Liability form

A new option to file a Release of Liability for workers’ compensation claims becomes available effective August 28, 2021 following the passage of Legislative Bill (LB) 256, approved by Governor Ricketts on May 21, 2021. The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court has developed a new pleading form to be filed for this purpose. Read the news release (https://www.newcc.gov/home/court-news/2021-6-news).

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: May 25, 2021 Administrative Order rescinded; mask guidance provided for appearances in the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court

 Select this link to read the Administrative Order issued 08/11/2021.

• The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court will follow and comply with the terms of the Administrative Order of the Supreme Court of Nebraska dated August 9, 2021.
• Individuals who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 may appear in the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court without a face covering (cloth mask or plastic shield) and individuals who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 are asked to wear a face covering when appearing in the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court for any in-person proceeding. During an in-person trial or in-person legal proceeding, the attorney or self-represented litigant asking questions of a witness and the witness who is testifying are permitted to remove their face covering while asking questions or testifying.
• The Administrative Order of the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court dated May 25, 2021 is rescinded.

DRG Reporting Web Application Now Available [UPDATE: DRG Reporting for calendar year has ended]

The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court has activated its web-based data entry application for Diagnostic Related Group (DRG) reports. Hospitals and payors may report for themselves, or they may allow a third party to report for them (https://www.newcc.gov/service-providers/medical-providers/drg-reporting).

NEWS RELEASE: Judge Fridrich re-elected NWCC presiding judge

Judge Daniel R. Fridrich has been re-elected as presiding judge of the Nebraska Workers' Compensation Court. (https://www.newcc.gov/home/court-news/2021-4-news)

Rule amendments adopted at June 25, 2021 public meeting

Amendments to Rules 3, 13, 47, 64, 65, and Addendum 2 were adopted at a public meeting on June 25, 2021. Non-adjudicatory Rules 47, 64, 65, and Addendum 2 became effective June 25, 2021. Adopted amendments to adjudicatory Rules 3 and 13 will become effective only upon review and approval by the Nebraska Supreme Court. (https://www.newcc.gov/home/public-hearings-and-public-meetings)

Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court to remain open on June 18, 2021

The Nebraska Judicial Branch recognizes the Juneteenth holiday declaration. However, all Nebraska courts and probation offices, including the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court, will remain open on June 18, 2021. Please refer to the Nebraska Judicial Branch Media Release of June 17, 2021 for more information.

Senior Staff Attorney Completes Mediators' College

Senior Staff Attorney Laura Plicanic completes International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) Workers' Compensation Mediators' College. Read news release.

Nebraska Supreme Court issues new administrative order regarding novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease

The Nebraska Supreme Court (NSC) issued an administrative order on May 21, 2021 regarding the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 disease. Previous NSC administrative orders are superseded by the new order. Select this link to read the order.

ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER: November 10, 2020 Administrative Order rescinded; mask guidance provided for appearances in the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court

Select this link to read the Administrative Order issued 05/25/2021.

• In light of the positive trends in both COVID-19 cases and vaccinations in the State of Nebraska and given the absence of any mask mandate within the State of Nebraska, the Administrative Order dated November 10, 2020 (renewed by Administrative Order dated December 28, 2020) is rescinded.
• Individuals who are vaccinated against COVID-19 disease may appear in the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court without a mask.
  
• Individuals who are not vaccinated against COVID-19 disease are asked to please wear a mask when appearing in the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court.

Statistical Report, 2016 through 2020

This statistical report summarizes information reported to the Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court by employers and insurers for work-related injuries and illnesses that occurred during calendar years 2016 through 2020, regardless of the year the reports were filed. Data for previously reported calendar years is divided into subcolumns that illustrate how data changes over time as a result of late reporting and corrections (https://www.newcc.gov/resources/court-forms-and-publications/statistical-reports).

Career Opportunity: Assistant Clerk - Two Positions Available [Update: Positions Closed]

The closing date for these positions has been extended (https://www.newcc.gov/home/career-opportunities).

Public Hearing and Public Meeting: June 25, 2021

The Notice, Agenda, and Proposed Amended Rules for a June 25, 2021 public hearing and public meeting are available for viewing or downloading (https://www.newcc.gov/home/public-hearings-and-public-meetings).