Deadlines Extended by 150 Days in Class Actions Accusing Applied Underwriters of Fraud

SACRAMENTO, Calif. - A California federal judge has extended discovery deadlines by 150 days in two class actions accusing Applied Underwriters Inc. and its affiliates of charging policyholders grossly inflated premiums for workers compensation coverage provided through the EquityComp program.

On Feb. 6, Judge William B. Schubb of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania granted the parties' joint motion for modification of the case schedule.

Applied Underwriters allegedly sold a workers' compensation insurance program known as the EquityComp program to Shasta Linen Supply Inc. and other California employers. Four days after the EquityComp policies took …