reglab/housing_qa huggingface dataset:
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 255 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 255. Assignment or waiver of compensation; exemption from execution, etc.; priority as lien

 No assignment of compensation, or release, sale or conveyance of compensation due or payable under this chapter shall be valid, and such compensation shall be exempt from levy, execution and attachment, which exemption shall not be waived. Compensation shall constitute a first priority lien against the assets of an employer. No agreement by any employee to waive his right to compensation under this chapter shall be valid.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 256 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 256. Administration of chapter; proceedings on claims; judicial review and enforcement of orders

 (a) The provisions of this chapter shall be administered uniformly throughout the Virgin Islands by an administrator under the general supervision of the board of the Worker's Compensation Administration. The administrator assigned to administer this chapter shall devote his full time to such duties, and in the name of the board, shall have the power to compile a register of employers affected by this chapter for that purpose; to inspect and examine places of employment, receive claims in writing, to notarize claims and other pertinent documents filed with the Board of the WCA, to prescribe rules and regulations, make studies of safety devices and to issue safety orders to employers, and to bring suit on behalf of the board or in the name and on the behalf of any beneficiary. (b) An Administrative Law Judge appointed by the board of the Worker's Compensation Administration shall be authorized to demand all pertinent information and relevant documents filed with the board, issue subpoenas, compel attendance of witnesses, take testimony, rule on questions of evidence, regulate the course of proceedings and make determinations of fact. (c) Proceedings before the Administrative Law Judge shall be according to such rules as he shall prescribe. Parties shall have the right to be represented by counsel. The board of the Worker's Compensation Administration shall approve the fee for attorneys appearing for employees. (d) Orders of the Administrative Law Judge shall be served by personal delivery or by registered mail. Any person aggrieved by a final order of the Administrative Law Judge may obtain a review of the order by filing a written petition with the board or any court of competent jurisdiction in the Virgin Islands within thirty (30) days after its issuance. The findings of the Administrative Law Judge as to facts, if supported by substantial evidence, shall be conclusive. Upon application of the administrator or any beneficiary, any court of competent jurisdiction shall enforce obedience to the orders of the Administrative Law Judge.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 257 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 257. Notice, by employee, of injury; report by employer

 (a) By personal delivery or by mail, written notice of an accidental injury shall be given by the person injured or someone in his behalf to the employer or any of his agents within 48 hours after the injury. In the case of an occupational disease notice shall be given by the person injured or someone in his behalf to the employer or any of his agents within 30 days from the first distinct manifestation thereof. Such notice shall contain the name of the person, the nature of the injury or occupational disease, and when and where it occurred. Unless written notice of injury or occupational disease is given as above, or unless the employee's immediate superior has actual knowledge of the injury or occupational disease, compensation may be denied. For reasonable cause shown, the Administrator may accept written notice of injury given later than 48 hours, but not later than 30 days, after the injury and in the case of an occupational disease, the Administrator may accept written notice given later than 30 days, but not later than 90 days after the first distinct manifestation thereof; which time limit for filing of reports shall also be applicable to injuries of a tuberculous origin arising out of employment. (b) Within eight days after the receipt of the written notice of injury referred to in subsection (a) hereof, the employer shall complete an employer's report of injury and forward same together with the employee's notice of injury to the Administrator by personal delivery or by mail. The failure of the employer to file such reports within such period shall not prejudice the claim of the employee.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 258 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 258. Filing of claim

 (a) The first claim for compensation for an injury shall be filed in writing within sixty days after the injury on forms to be furnished by the Administrator. Such claims shall be filed at the office of the Administrator or deposited in the mail properly stamped and addressed to the Administrator or to any person whom the Administrator may designate. Each claim shall be sworn to by the injured person or whoever acts in his behalf, and shall be accompanied by a doctor's certificate stating the nature and probable extent of the disability, or by a death certificate. (b) Supplementary claims, if any, for protracted disability or for any additional compensation claimed, shall be filed in the manner directed by the Administrator. (c) For good and reasonable cause shown, the Administrator may extend the time limit set by this section.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 259 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 259. Examination and treatment; autopsy

 (a) After an injury, the employee shall, as frequently and at such times and places as may be reasonably required, submit himself to examination by such doctor as the Administrator may designate. The employee may have his own doctor present at all such examinations at employee's expense. If any employee refuses to submit to an examination, his right to claim compensation under this chapter shall be suspended until such refusal ceases. If an injured worker delays submission to treatment and/or examination without just cause, the Administrator shall disallow compensation for the period involved. (b) Upon application of the employer or duly authorized agent, or someone in behalf of the deceased employee, and for reasonable cause shown, the Administrator may order an autopsy of the body of a deceased employee by a duly registered physician in order to determine the cause of death. In the event the beneficiary of the deceased or anyone for him refuses an autopsy so ordered no compensation shall be paid for the death of such employee.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 260 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 260. Determination of heirs; survival of rights

 In cases where it may be necessary to determine the heirs of a deceased employee, the proceeding in the district court shall be free of all court costs. Any right given by this chapter to any employee shall survive to his personal representative for the benefit of his heirs.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 262 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 262. Violation of safety orders; penalties

 (a) Where injury or death results from failure to obey a safety order of the Administrator fifteen percent penalty shall be added to any award by the Administrator, which penalty shall be payable directly by the employer. (b) Whoever, after citation by the Administrator, violates any safety order or safety regulation of the Administrator shall be fined not more than $500 or imprisoned not more than six months, or both.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 263a (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 263a. Abrogation of the borrowed employee doctrine

 It shall not be a defense to any action brought by or on behalf of an employee, that the employee at the time of his injury or death, was the borrowed, loaned, or rented employee of another employer. Any oral or written agreement between an employer and employee which makes the employee the borrowed, loaned or rented employee of another employer shall be null and void as being against the public policy of this Territory.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 265 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 265. Government Insurance Fund

 There is hereby created a fund to be known as “The Government Insurance Fund” for the purpose of insuring employers against liabilities under this chapter and of assuring to the persons entitled thereto the compensation provided by this chapter. This Fund shall consist of all premiums received and paid into the Fund, of properties and securities acquired by the Fund, ten percent (10%) of all monies collected for traffic violations pursuant to 20 V.I.C., chapter 43, and of interest earned upon monies belonging to the Fund. Such Fund shall be administered by the Commissioner of Finance. The Fund shall be applicable to the payment of losses sustained on account of injuries and to the payment of expenses in the manner provided in this chapter. The Government Insurance Fund shall be in force and effect from July 1, 1941.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 266 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 266. Custody of Fund; payment of compensation; investments

 (a)  (1) The Commissioner of Finance shall be the custodian of the Government Insurance Fund. All compensation shall be paid by him upon vouchers authorized and signed by the Administrator. The Commissioner of Finance may deposit any portion of the Government Insurance Fund not needed for immediate use in the same manner as other governmental funds are deposited by him. Interest earned by the Government Insurance Fund shall be collected by the Commissioner of Finance and placed to the credit of the said Fund. (2) Whenever there is in the Fund cash in the sum of $1 million the balance shall be considered surplus which an investment board, consisting of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, the Commissioner of Finance, and the Administrator may invest in like manner and subject to the same restrictions thereto as other public monies of the Virgin Islands may be invested. (b)  (1) Notwithstanding any other law, there is established within the Government Insurance Fund, a Worker's Compensation Emergency Employee Payment Checking Account (hereinafter, in this Subsection called “the account”). (2) The account shall consist of not more than $200,000 transferred each fiscal year from the Government Insurance Fund, other sums appropriated thereto by the Legislature, and all donations, gifts and bequests. (3) Monies from the fund shall be deposited each fiscal year by the Commissioner of Finance into the account and the Fund Administrator shall write checks against the funds in the account. The checks authorized to be issued under this subsection shall be issued to claimants who have been authorized to be paid under the provisions of this chapter to cover up to three payments until compensation checks can be paid from the Government Insurance Fund. (4) The Commissioner of Finance and the Fund Administrator shall maintain a record of all monies deposited into and disbursed from the account and shall annually report to the Governor and the Legislature of the Virgin Islands on the status of the account.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 267 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 267. Administrative expenses

 The expenses of administering the Government Insurance Fund and operating expenses of the Workers' Compensation Administration under this chapter, including wages of salaried employees, shall be fixed by the Governor upon the recommendation of the Legislature and paid from the proceeds of the Fund, following the legal requirements for the expenditure of public funds. The expenses of maintenance of any of the construction projects built with monies from the Fund shall also be paid from the proceeds of the Fund.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 268 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 268. Schedule of classifications; premium rates

 It shall be the duty of the Commissioner of Finance in the exercise of the power hereby conferred upon him to prepare a schedule of classifications according to the hazards of the occupations or industries. He shall also fix the lowest possible premium rates, including minimum premiums consistent with the establishment of a solvent Government Insurance Fund and creation of a reasonable surplus, covering the period beginning July 1, 1941, and each year thereafter.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 269 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 269. Annual revision of classifications and premiums

 On July 1, 1958, and annually thereafter, the Commissioner of Finance shall revise such classifications and premiums as, in his judgment, should be revised. Such revision shall be in accordance with underwriting experience and other incidental experience and available statistics in regard to the hazards and underwriting risks.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 270 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 270. Accounts and statistics

 The Commissioner of Finance shall keep an accurate account of the money paid in for premiums by each of the several groups of occupations or industries, and the expenses of administering the Government Insurance Fund, as well as the disbursements and expenses incurred on account of injuries or deaths of workmen and employees in each of said groups of occupations and industries; he shall also keep an account of premiums received from each employer; he shall also keep an account of payments and cost of injuries and deaths of the workmen and employees of each employer, and all other necessary accounts and statistics consistent with the efficient administration of a solvent Government Insurance Fund.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 271 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 271. Review of classifications and rates; use of Experience Rating Plan in fixing rates

 (a) The decision of the Commissioner of Finance fixing and regulating the premium rates for each group of occupations or industries, or any order increasing the premium rate, may be reviewed by the Governor if the aggrieved employer files a complaint with the Governor within thirty days after the decision of the Commissioner of Finance becomes effective. The Governor shall proceed to render a final decision. During the pendency of this appeal the collection of the premiums shall continue in accordance with the decision of the Commissioner of Finance; nor shall the courts issue writs of injunction enjoining the collection of said premiums during the pendency of such appeal. If the decision of the Governor reduces the rate of premium fixed by the Commissioner of Finance, the Commissioner of Finance shall not be ordered to return the excess paid in premiums, but such excess, computed from the date of the filing of the petition, shall be deducted from premiums to be collected in the future from the employers filing the petitions. In case any classification is modified by an order of the Governor as herein provided, the Commissioner of Finance shall compute new rates of premiums for all such employers as have workmen or employees within the challenged classification or classifications. (b) In fixing the premium rates for employers the Commissioner of Finance shall apply the following Experience Rating Plan provisions: (1) Only an employer having paid premiums of $1,000 or more during the period of 3 consecutive years immediately prior to the rating date, and having paid premiums in each of these three years, shall be eligible for experience rating. (2) The amount of charges to be considered in such experience rating shall consist of the payments actually made by the Government Insurance Fund during such consecutive period of 3 years on account of accident or occupational disease attributable to the particular employer, inclusive of benefits, medical, hospital and funeral costs. (3) The credit to be allowed any employer shall be applied against the subsequent year's premium payment rather than as a cash refund and shall be determined according to the ratio which the chargeable claim costs paid by the Government Insurance Fund bears to the premiums received from the employer for the 3 year period in question, as follows:Ratio of chargeable claim cost topremium paymentsCredit to employer on premium forthe subsequent year50% or less20%51% to 60%10%61% to 70%5%71% and overNone (4) If the losses of any employer are such as to produce a ratio of chargeable claims to premium payments in excess of 80%, the employer's premium rate shall be increased for the year next following the rating date, as follows:Ratio of chargeable claim cost topremium paymentsIncrease to employer in premium forthe subsequent year71% to 80%None81% to 90%5%91% to 100%15%Over 100%25%
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 272 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 272. Insurance required, period of coverage

 (a) Every employer shall secure the payment of compensation under this chapter by insuring with the Government Insurance Fund created by this chapter. (b) The insurance of each employer shall be in force immediately after his statement has been filed with the Commissioner of Finance together with the amount of the premium corresponding to the wages declared in said statement and in accordance with the rates fixed by the Commissioner of Finance, provided that an accident that occurs before payment of said premium is made shall be considered as a case of an uninsured employer, unless the employer pays within the term fixed by the Commissioner of Finance, in which case, the insurance shall become effective from the date the employer filed the statement. (c) Any employer who has been covered by the Government Insurance Fund at the end of the preceding year shall be covered during the period January 1st to March 31st, provided that such employer submits the necessary reports to the Government Insurance Fund no later than February 28th, and pays the premium due by March 31st. Every employer who has not filed the required reports and paid the premium due to which this section refers within the term herein fixed shall be considered an uninsured employer. (d) [Reserved.] (e) when an employer becomes insolvent, a claim by the Government Insurance Fund for premiums and interest due shall be a preferred claim in the bankruptcy, trustee or receivership process.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 273 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 273. Reports by employer, payment of premiums

 (a) Every employer affected by this chapter shall file with the Commissioner of Finance not later than February 28th of each year on forms supplied by the Commissioner of Finance, an actual report for the previous year and an estimated report for the current year, showing the number of workmen employed by said employer, the kind of occupation or industry of the workmen, the total amount of wages paid and to be paid and the amount of premium payable. (b) The premium prescribed by this chapter shall be computed and paid on the first $8,424 of each worker's wages for each year. (c) The annual premium prescribed by this chapter may be paid in two installments. The first installment, which is payable on or before March 31st, shall consist of one-half or more of the annual premium plus any additional premium due. The remaining portion of the premium shall be paid on or before June 30th. (d) On receipt of payment, the Commissioner of Finance shall forward to the employer a receipt which shall be prima facie evidence of said payment of the premium and insurance coverage. (e) The Commissioner of Finance shall collect such premiums, interest, and penalties provided for in this chapter and shall deposit them in the Government Insurance Fund established by this chapter. (f) Prior to January 1 of each year, notices requesting compliance with this section shall be published at least once a week for four weeks in a newspaper of general circulation in the Virgin Islands and the forms to be filed by the employers shall be mailed to every employer currently insured. (g) Should an employer fail to pay the total amount of the preliminary or additional premiums legally levied on him within the time fixed by the Commissioner of Finance, the latter may grant an extension of thirty (30) days so that the employer may make payment in full, which shall be an indispensable requirement for the Administrator to make an insurance policy.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 274 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 274. New employers, change in business, cessation of business

 (a) Any new employer or employer who was not insured at the end of the previous year shall file a statement on forms to be provided by the Commissioner of Finance including the estimated wages to be paid his workmen and shall pay the portion of the annual premium due on such wages to the Commissioner of Finance before commencement of work. (b) Should any employer substantially increase his payroll during the term of insurance, he shall file a supplementary statement and pay the additional premiums based thereupon within 30 days after such increase. (c) Any employer who prior to July 1 or January 1 of any year ceases to be subject to the provisions of this chapter may be excused from payment of premiums by giving notice and such proof required by the Commissioner of Finance.
V.I. Code tit. 24, § 275 (2019)
2019 US Virgin Islands Code|Title 24 - Labor|Chapter 11 - Workers' Compensation Administration|§ 275. Adjustment of premium on basis of payroll; application of excess premium

 At the end of the period of insurance, an adjustment of premium shall be made according to the actual expenditures of wages. The Commissioner of Finance shall compare the payroll of each employer paying premiums in accordance with this chapter for such calendar year with the payroll of the preceding year on the basis of which the premiums were assessed, levied and collected. If the payroll for the year during which the insurance was effected was greater than that of the previous calendar year, the Commissioner of Finance shall assess, levy and collect additional premiums in the same manner and on the same basis as the original premiums were assessed, levied, and collected. If the payroll is less than that of the previous calendar year, the Commissioner of Finance shall refund from the Government Insurance Fund the proportion of the premiums corresponding to the difference between the actual payroll for the year during which the insurance was effected and the year on the basis of which said premiums were assessed, levied, and collected; provided, however, that where the employer continues to employ workers affected by this chapter, the Administrator shall apply any excess premium to the payment of the premium due for the ensuing calendar year.