We have been informed that United Airlines has filed Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Eastern Division in Chicago. United Airlines has a limited number of claims in North Carolina.

                The current information available to the Industrial Commission is that United Airlines has insurance coverage with Insurance Company of the State of Pennsylvania, Post Office Box 35066, Richmond, Virginia, 23235-0066 for the period from July 16, 1995 through July 16, 2002. United Airlines’ Bankruptcy Petition should not disrupt normal claims processing.

            If any claimant does not receive benefits to which they are lawfully entitled or should benefits awarded be suspended or terminated for unexplained reasons, please notify the Industrial Commission. Questions or concerns regarding United Airlines claims should be directed to: Stephen T. Gheen, Chief Deputy Commissioner, 919-807-2540 or gheen@ind.commerce.state.nc.us. Because of the limited number of claims potentially involved and the fact that insurance coverage is applicable, this notice is not being transmitted to the workers’ compensation trial bar individually.

                The Industrial Commission website (www.comp.state.nc.us) will be updated as needed with additional information.