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MACY’S EMPLOYEE ROBBED AND ASSAULTED AT WORK: INJURED WORKERS IN THE NEWS #5

Posted on December 22, 2021 by Edward Singer

In California, in part due to failed social policies, Retail Store Employees have been placed at risk as a result of an epidemic of “smash and grab” robberies. As these “smash and grab” robberies have increased, the odds are increasing for more confrontations between Employees and Criminals. More recent robberies have included violent acts.

At the San Jose Macy’s, it is reported that at least six male suspects entered the mall-based store. The Macy’s Loss Prevention Team approached the suspects and tried to stop the robbery. In this encounter, it is reported one of the Employees sustained minor to moderate injuries. Foxnews.com

This article will discuss the rights of this Injured Employee.

Can This Employee File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Yes. The Employee may file a workers’ compensation claim for her work injuries. This worker may have sustained both physical and mental injuries. Also, in this circumstance, the insurance company could possibly raise the defense of “initial aggressor” if the employee initiated the physical altercation, i.e. threw the first punch. A Trial Judge would make such a determination.

What Is The Difference Between A Physical Versus A Mental Injury?

Physical versus Mental injury is a distinction within workers’ compensation. Physical Injury causation standards are different from Mental Injury standards. Thus, it is possible that an Injured Worker can have a compensable Physical Injury claim but have a non-compensable Mental Injury claim. Physical Injuries can be orthopedic in nature, ie. back or neck, and they can be internal medicine in nature, ie. heart attack. Mental Injuries are Psychiatric Injuries, ie. Depression or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.

What Other Claims Can This Individual Have?

Assuming this worker was assaulted by the robbers, the Worker could pursue a personal injury claim against the assailants Also, they could file a claim with the Victims of Crime Board. Finally, they could pursue their workers’ compensation claim.

What If I Need Legal Advice?

If you would like a free consultation concerning any workers’ compensation case, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. They have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their worker’s compensation cases for 28 years. Contact us today for more information.

WCITN #9: A Stressful Scene At An Italian Restaurant

Posted on September 23, 2021 by Edward Singer

In New York, a controversial scene that happened at Carmine’s Restaurant. It was not about a bottle of red, a bottle white, or a bottle of rose, it was in part as a result of COVID-19 restaurant limitations. As a result, an altercation ensued in which a two month employee was assaulted by customers. It is reported that criminal charges were filed against the individuals who attacked her. The reporting does not indicate whether the hostess sustained any physical injuries. It is reported that she has not returned to work since the incident.

The restaurant spokesperson stated “[t]hree women brutally attacked our hosts without provocation, got arrested and charged for their misconduct, and then, over the last several days, had their lawyer falsely and grossly misrepresent their acts of wanton violence in a cynical attempt to try to excuse the inexcusable,” Carmine’s owner Jeffrey Bank said in a statement, according to WABC.” Foxnews.com

The owner also said “[m]y team members work too hard to serve our guests, work too hard to comply with New York’s vaccination requirements, and still suffer too much from the attack for me to allow these false statements to stand,” Bank said in his statement.” Foxnews.com

Does the Hostess Have a Valid Workers’ Compensation Injury?

From viewing the incident online, it is unclear as to whether the Hostess sustained a physical injury. A physical injury could be a musculoskeletal injury or some form of cut or abrasion. Besides a physical injury, she may have sustained an emotional or stress injury as a result of the incident.

Is Her Short Employment a Workers’ Compensation Issue?

Yes. In California, to file for a stress claim, a worker must have worked for a period of 6 months. The six months is not required to be continuous. There is a sudden and extraordinary employment condition. This is per Labor Code Section 3208(d).

The question is whether the customer altercation would constitute a sudden and extraordinary employment condition. This would be considered a triable issue for which a Workers’ Compensation Judge can make a determination.

Can Evidence Be Important In This Matter?

In this case, the Employer made statements as to the extraordinary nature of the events that occurred. These comments would be useful evidence to prove that the incident was a sudden and extraordinary employment condition. Likewise, the fact that arrests were made of the patrons would be an important fact.

What Would the Hostess Receive If Her Claim Was Accepted?

If the Hostess’ claim was pursued and accepted in California, she would be entitled to treatment, total disability payments, permanent disability payments, and possibly a job displacement voucher. The entitlement to these benefits is dependent on the medical provider’s opinions.

What If I Need Legal Advice?

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN THE NEWS #6, THE BOSS WHO WAS PHILLY CHEESESTEAK KNIFED

Posted on August 30, 2021 by Edward Singer

In the City of Brotherly Love, a Philadelphia Cheesesteak Shop Owner was stabbed in the neck by an employee. The news report indicated that the employee lunged “at his boss from behind and thrusting a 10-inch knife into his neck.” It was also reported that the store owner’s son was present “his son grabbed two knives and tried to ward off the employee, the footage shows. nypost.com

After the attack, the store owner said, his son told him: “Dad, you have a knife in your neck … Don’t pull it out.”

In California, this incident may be considered as a work injury entitling either the owner or the son benefits. There are several questions that need to be addressed to make a determination.

Can an Employer File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

The answer is “yes” and “no.” In California, it is possible that a Business Owner can be covered under workers’ compensation. Generally, if the company is a corporation and the owner is an employee of the corporation, they may be able to be covered as an employee. This must be arranged within the policy’s terms. If so, just like their fellow employees, an employer can file a work injury claim.

Thus, if covered, in the fact pattern reported above, the owner could file a claim for both his physical injury and possibly for a mental injury.

Can The Owner’s Son File a Workers’ Compensation Claim?

Yes. If his son was a company employee, he could file a claim. In California, if the son suffered emotional distress over witnessing the violent event, it is possible that he could pursue a psychiatric workers’ injury claim.

It should be noted California Workers’ Compensation Law treats Psychiatric Injuries caused by Violent Events differently from other Psychiatric Injuries. If a Psychiatric Injury is caused by a Violent Event, the causation threshold for proving an injury is lowered. This means that it is easier to qualify to attain it.. For Violent Events, the causation standard is lowered to a substantial cause. This means at least 35 to 40 percent. See Labor Code Section 3208.3

Beyond Workers’ Compensation, Are There Any Other Benefits That Either The Owner or Son Could Collect?

Even if the Owner or the Son are not considered an Employees, there is a special Victims Compensation Board Program in California. The Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board administers the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP.) The program provides forms of compensation for victims of crime. The crimes, which may eligible for the program, can include domestic violence, child abuse, assault, sexual assault, elder abuse, molestation, homicide, robbery, hate crimes, drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter, human trafficking, stalking and online harassment.

To be eligible for compensation, a person must be a victim of a qualifying crime involving physical injury, threat of physical injury or death. For certain crimes, an emotional injury alone is enough to qualify. Certain family members and loved ones who suffer an economic loss from an injury to, or death of, a victim of a crime may also be eligible for compensation.

What If I Need Legal Advice?

WORKERS’ COMPENSATION IN THE NEWS #5 : WHERE ARE MY DOGGONE BENEFITS?

Posted on August 17, 2021 by Edward Singer

Lady Gaga’s Dogwalker was in the news. He was shot and left for dead while trying to prevent the dogs from being stolen. The DailyMail.com recently reported he has launched a GoFundMe to help cover the costs of a road trip he’s taking to heal his ’emotional and mental health’. [Mr.]Fischer shared that the van he’s been traveling in for two months has broken down and he needs financial support.”

Are There Any Benefits That Mr. Fischer May Receive Through Workers’ Compensation?

Yes. However, Mr. Fischer would have to prove that he was an employee of Ms. Gaga at the time of the incident. This would require a factual analysis concerning what he services he performed and how he was compensated. It is possible that he could be considered as an employee and be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. This would include payment of benefits and medical care.

If It Was A Workers’ Compensation Claim, Is There Anything Unique That Would Apply?

Yes.

In light of the fact that it was a shooting, a psychiatric injury may have occurred. California Workers’ Compensation Law treats Psychiatric Injuries caused by Violent Events differently from other Psychiatric Injuries. If a Psychiatric Injury is caused by a Violent Event, the causation threshold for proving an injury is lowered. This means that it is easier to qualify to attain it.. For Violent Events, the causation standard is lowered to a substantial cause. This means at least 35 to 40 percent. See Labor Code Section 3208.3.

Beyond Workers’ Compensation, Are There Any Other Benefits That Someone Could Obtain In the Event of A Robbery and Shooting?

Even if he is not considered an Employee, there is a special Victims Compensation Board Program in California. The Victim Compensation and Government Claims Board administers the California Victim Compensation Program (CalVCP.) The program provides forms of compensation for victims of crime. The crimes, which may eligible for the program, can include domestic violence, child abuse, assault, sexual assault, elder abuse, molestation, homicide, robbery, hate crimes, drunk driving, vehicular manslaughter, human trafficking, stalking and online harassment.

What If I Need Legal Advice?