Worker’s compensation exists so that, when, and if, an employee is disabled by an on-the-job injury, they will receive payment for their medical bills and lost wages, without legal battles to prove negligence. Workers’ compensation also provides compensation to family members of a loved one who has been injured or killed while working at their place of employment. However, the litigation process is complicated, so please contact one of our expert Boston worker’s compensation attorneys at our Boston law firm to help guide you through the process.
The city council of Patterson, New Jersey settled 11 worker’s compensation cases earlier this week, paying out $479,243. The three biggest claims were filed by firefighters John Howe for $102,600, Robert Stemmler for $87,750, and public works park caretaker Walter Cruz for $76,413. Howe allegedly injured his lower back while lifting a patient onto a stretcher on Janurary 27, 2015. Stemmler allegedly injured his bilateral shoulders when he tried to prevent a ladder from falling on July 14, 2014. And Cruz allegedly injured his neck and back in a motor vehicle accident on July 2, 2014; on August 23, 2014, he also allegedly injured his back lifting the tailgate of a truck.
Council President William McKoy said the city has little choice but to pay the claims. Claiming that judges and arbitrators often side with workers in these cases, he said the city will ultimately have to pay the cost, but may incur additional expense in litigation. The city will pay out the claims from its temporary budget for fiscal year 2018 which starts in July. In fiscal year 2016, the city spent $6.5 million to cover worker’s compensation claims; this was far more than it had budgeted for that year.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured at work, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical expenses. So please contact one of our expert Massachusetts workers compensation attorney specialists here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates by phone at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and confidential consultation. Your needs are our top priority!
