Workers Comp Fund offers settlement

The Workers Compensation Fund has presented the state of Utah with an offer to settle a dispute over the state's ownership of the insurance carrier.

The offer, which has not been agreed to by the state, would include the WCF paying $50 million to the state. It hinges on the passage of legislation that would allow the fund to privatize and contract with the state as the insurance fund of last resort for Utahns injured on the job.

The Utah Senate on Friday reluctantly advanced the proposal. It will now be scrutinized by a House committee.

The bill's sponsor, Sen. Curt Bramble, R-Provo, said passage of the measure is necessary for the fund to remain competitive. The fund operates as the carrier of last resort, insuring workers who are injured on the job.

Dennis Lloyd, WCF's general counsel, was in 3rd District Court on Monday, where attorneys asked the judge to consider granting summary judgment. That would allow the case to be settled without going to trial. Lloyd said the judge has taken the motion under advisement.