Florida Court Rejects Workers’ Compensation Claim Over At-Home Slip And Fall.

Slip and fall accidents, although they might sound like a mild form of accident, can result in extreme and debilitating injuries. Accordingly, tort law has created a category for slip and fall cases, under which plaintiffs can recover under the right conditions. Such conditions depend on the law of the state, and slip and fall cases are notoriously difficult to recover for. In such a situation, it would be wise to contact an expert slip and fall attorney at 617-787-3700.

Telemarketer Tammitha Valcourt-Williams was working from home one day when she tripped over her dog while reaching for a coffee cup, resulting in severe injuries. Believing herself entitled to workers’ compensation for the injury, she filed a claim and won a judgment. A court of appeals, however, reversed the decision, claiming that since the risk of injury in her home exists regardless of whether she was working or not, she is not entitled to compensation.

The decision drew sharp criticism from the dissent, who argued that decades of precedent in the state of Florida should have resulted in an affirmation of the lower court. The dissent worries that such a ruling will bar future workers’ compensation claims from employees who work at home, and will work to undermine the system of workers’ compensation in Florida that has worked for many years.

If you or a loved one is injured in a slip and fall, you may be entitled to significant monetary relief. Act now and contact an expert slip and fall attorney here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates to discuss your potential claim. Call our Boston injury attorneys today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!

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Montana Considers Bill Expanding Workers’ Compensation For Firefighters.

Workers’ compensation is a system designed to serve the dual purpose of compensating employees who have been injured on the job, while avoiding costly and time-consuming litigation. Under a workers’ comp system, employees agree not to sue their employers in tort for any injuries the employee may suffer. In exchange, the employer is required to adequately compensate the employee based on the nature and extent of the injury. Workers’ compensation differs from state to state and even from profession to profession. If you or a loved one has been injured at the workplace and need guidance on the relevant workers’ compensation laws, it would be wise to contact an expert workers’ compensation attorney at 617-787-3700.

Lawmakers in Montana are currently considering a bill that would expand workers’ compensation for firefighters. The bill would allow firefighters to receive compensation for chronic illnesses and conditions that they are more likely to catch by virtue of being a firefighter. Such conditions include several types of cardio-vascular diseases and cancers.
According to a member of the Montana Fireman’s Association, this legislation has been fought for by firefighters for 18 years. There are concerns, however, that expanding workers’ comp in this way will squeeze out smaller fire departments, forcing them to cut workers’ comp for volunteer firemen. The Association maintains that preserving workers’ compensation for volunteers comes before expanding it to include chronic illnesses.

If you or a loved one has been injured while at work, you may be entitled to significant monetary relief. Act now and contact an expert workers’ compensation attorney here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates to discuss your potential claim. Call our Boston lawyer professionals today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoy.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!

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New York Man Sentenced To Prison For Workers’ Compensation Fraud.

Workplace injuries have been occurring for as long as workplaces have existed, and the law has been constantly changing to account for the potential remedies workers may be entitled to in the event of such injuries. The law varies from state to state, but it is crucial for workers to understand their options in the event of an injury so that they may be fairly compensated. In such a situation, it would be wise to contact an expert worker’s compensation attorney at 617-787-3700.

Sergio Forte, a 52 year-old man living in LeRoy, New York, was recently sentenced to prison for defrauding the workers’ compensation system for over $400,000, according to reports. After injuring his knee in 2015, Forte began collecting over $800 per week in workers’ compensation benefits. After a while, however, Forte became well again, and proceeded to return to work. However, Forte falsely reported to the Workers’ Compensation Board that he was not working in any capacity at the time. This in effect allowed Forte to collect the weekly workers’ compensation benefits on top of receiving a regular salary from his normal employer.

As part of his sentencing, Forte was required to pay back a significant amount of money as a form of restitution. The charges claimed that his illegal representations to the Workers’ Compensation Board resulted in his unjust enrichment, a claim with which the Court agreed. Forte will spend 3 months in prison.

If you or a loved one has been injured in the course of your employment, you may be entitled to significant monetary relief. Act now and contact an expert workers’ compensation attorney here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates to discuss your potential claim. Call our injury attorneys today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!

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