In April 2026, the Nebraska Legislature passed LB 455 which changes provisions to the ability to access First Reports of Injury (FROI) by the public. Effective January 1, 2027, the Workers’ Compensation Court will be prohibited from disclosing First Reports of Injury to the public immediately upon filing. The Court will now send a letter which provides the following notice to injured employees: “The Nebraska Workers’ Compensation Court cannot give legal advice. However, if your claim is denied or if you have any questions regarding the handling of your claim, you have the right to contact a Nebraska attorney who accepts workers’ compensation cases who can provide guidance on your rights and options.”
Historically, FROIs were accessible to the public almost immediately upon filing. Beginning January 1, 2027, they will not be subject to public release until after a 60-day period. This legislative change is designed to protect injured employees from unsolicited communications from the plaintiff’s bar. Previously, plaintiff’s attorneys would obtain FROIs, which include injured workers’ contact information, and send letters encouraging those workers to seek legal representation and/or file a claim, even in cases where all benefits were already being paid. This practice led many injured workers to mistakenly believe that their personal health information was being disclosed to the public by their employer or insurance carrier.
If you have any questions about Nebraska workers’ compensation or want to know how this change may impact future matters, please contact our Nebraska attorneys.
