Category — Columns

My column in The Hartford Courant today is about the legislature prolonging the life of a troubled workers’ compensation insurer for government entities.  The insurer, MIRMA, has struggled with financial problems for years.  They state’s insurance regulators, however, are barred from taking appropriate action.  Medical care for injured workers is now in danger.

At the end of this post is a link to the letter that the Workers’ Compensation Commission chairman, John Mastropietro, sent to MIRMA on April 6th.  As of Friday, the only he change had been another medical provider complaining that its bills hadn’t been paid.  Mastropietro said he’s had no reply to his letter from MIRMA.  My phone and email messages to MIRMA also received no rely.

Mastropietro Letter to MIRMA

Here’s a link to my column in today’s edition of The Hartford Courant.  Space did not allow me to include all the details of Dr. Richard Weber’s ordeal with state law enforcement officials.  They searched his office one day while he was treating patients, though he’d been cooperating–even seek out–authorities. I’ve attached to this post the 2005 deposition of judicial nominee Brian Leslie by Michael Kogut, Dr. Weber’s determined lawyer.  Kogut, who was at Murtha Cullina, LLP, during the pendency of the case, lives in Springfield, Massachusetts, and is a candidate for the Democratic nomination Hampden County district attorney.

The deposition provides more details on the case and a look at Mr. Leslie’s moving target testimony.  It’s a lot to read, but lawyers and legislators might find it instructive.

Part 1 Weber v State Transcript Brian Leslie 2005-3

Part 2 Weber v State Transcript Brian Leslie 2005-4

Part 3 Weber v State Transcript Brian Leslie 2005-5

Part 4 Weber v State Transcript Brian Leslie 2005-6