Monthly Archives: <span>July 2004</span>

BWC Offering Safety Classes for Ohio Employers

The Ohio Bureau of Workers’ Compensation (BWC) will offer several classes designed to teach the basics of health and safety in the workplace. “Safety education is an essential element in the overall success of Ohio business,” said James Conrad, BWC …

PIANJ Treasurer Named to WC Fraud Working Group

The Professional Insurance Agents of New Jersey Inc. treasurer, Gary Rygiel, was selected to represent the association in a working group addressing workers’ compensation premium fraud and evasion. The group is under the direction of the Office of Fraud Prosecutors. …

Bridium Unveils WCIRS for Workers’ Comp Claims

Atlanta-based Bridium, a technology provider and custom services company for the insurance industry, has introduced WCIRS (Workers’ Compensation Injury Reporting System). Bridium developed WCIRS with features that allow insurers, third-party administrators (TPAs) and self-insured employers nationwide to file first and …

Penn-America Says Second Quarter Record Results Reflect Firm Pricing in E&S Lines

Penn-America Group, Inc. in Hatboro, Pa., (NYSE: PNG ) reported record operating income of $4.8 million or $0.32 per share for the second quarter of 2004 compared with operating income of $3.7 million or $0.25 per share for the second …

Builders Insurance Group Makes Director Appointments

Georgia-based Builders Insurance Group announced that Frederick Fisher and Eugene Hill were elected to its Board of Directors. Allen Richardson, board chairman, remarked, “The growth and maturation of our company, coupled with the demands and complexities of effective corporate governance, …

Berkley Says Second Quarter Shows Progress

W. R. Berkley Corporation (NYSE: BER) in Greenwich, Conn. reported net income for the second quarter of 2004 of $109 million, or $1.25 per share, a 14 percent increase from $96 million, or $1.10 per share, a year ago. Second …

Allmerica Claims ‘Solid’ Second Quarter

Allmerica Financial Corporation (NYSE: AFC) in Worcester, Mass, whose companies include Hanover and Citizens insurance, reported second quarter net income of $32.4 million, or $0.60 per share, compared to net income of $24.4 million, or $0.46 per share, in the …

Maryland’s Job Loss Could be Virginia’s Gain as State Farm Insurance Reorganizes in Mid-Atlantic States

State Farm Insurance confirmed it is moving to phase-out its Frederick, Md. claims and operations office as part of a reorganization that could eliminate from 400 to 500 jobs there and an equal number in field offices in the mid-Atlantic …

Doctors Win $5.5 Million Award Against Yale

A Connecticut jury has awarded $5.5 million to three physicians who accused Yale University of retaliating over complaints about poor patient care and mismanagement in its radiology department. The jury of four women and two men deliberated for 15 hours …

Pa. Court Approves Public Release of Information on Nonprofit Insurers’ Cash Reserves

A state judge has ruled that state regulators can make public much of the materials that Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania was ordered to submit to justify its large cash reserves. The ruling also lifts a temporary order keeping confidential …