The N.C. House Tort Reform Committee is expected to vote on HB 709 Thursday (05/12/11). As previously noted, this is a terrible proposal lobbied by the insurance industry to shift the costs of workplace injuries onto taxpayers and Medicare/Medicaid/Social Security Disability.

The sponsors of HB 709 have continued to blatantly lie to their constituents about the ramifications of this proposal. The bill's proponents have also misrepresented the need for the "reform". Ironically, as the Committee prepares to vote on the bill, Illinois companies are relocating to North Carolina for a more lucrative economic climate and more favorable workers' compensation laws.

Bloomington, Illinois based Electrolux is relocating to North Carolina. Tom Mercier, the President of Bloomington Offset Process Inc. (BOPI) noted his company operates in the business-to-business market. Thus, they would potentially follow other companies who relocate. Electrolux is taking over Fifth-Third Bank's University office space, as the bank is consolidating office space and relocating uptown. Fifth-Third Bank's move is yet another example of a North Carolina corporation becoming further entrenched in NC's favorable economic climate.

The message is clear - North Carolina has a very competitive economic package to offer businesses. Companies that are here are growing, despite a difficult overall economic period. Other businesses are relocating from around the nation. Yet, your NC legislature has their own agenda; Hmm...

If you would like to discuss the pending workers' compensation legislation, please contact our office. If you have sustained an injury, whether in an auto accident or at work, it is important that you promptly speak with a Charlotte personal injury lawyer regarding the circumstances of your situation.

FoxIllinois.com, Businesses wait while Illinois lawmakers talk about workers' comp, 05/04/11

WCNC.com, Electrolux moving headquarters to charlotte, 12/16/09