Nicholson v. Blachly

The issue presented in this case is whether a vocational rehabilitation organization which contracts with a self-insured employer to provide assistance to an injured worker can be sued in circuit court on contract and tort claims relating to the vocational rehabilitation assistance or whether claims of inadequate assistance are in the exclusive jurisdiction of the .Workers’ Compensation Department 1 and Board. Contrary to the Court of Appeals, we hold that the department and board do not have exclusive jurisdiction over all claims against the vocational rehabilitation organization and its…