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Teacher Injured By Student Compensation: Injured Workers in the News #78

In a highly publicized matter, a Teacher was reportedly battered as a result of taking away a video game from a child.  According to the news account, the video showed the student charging towards the teacher and knocking her onto the ground.  He stomped, kicked and punched her numerous times.  As a result of the injuries, she lost her consciousness.

This matter will be discussed on a variety of issues.

If the Teacher Wrongly Took Away The Game From the Child, Would She Be Ineligible for Workers’ Compensation Benefits?

No.  From the facts known, the Teacher did not act as the initial aggressor in the incident.   This is supported by the fact that Police have arrested the Student and he is being charged with a crime.  Also, workers’ compensation is a no-fault system.  A mistake in taking away an item from a student causing an incident would not impact the eligibility for workers’ compensation.

If The Teacher Cannot Return to Teaching, Is Workers’ Compensation Her Only Means of Recovery?

In California, there is the State Teachers Retirement System which is known as CALSTRS.  Assuming the Teacher works at a public school, she is entitled to pursue a disability retirement.

What if I Need Advice?

If you would like a free consultation regarding workers’ compensation, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. We have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their workers’ compensation cases for 27 years. Contact us today for more information.

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Tesla Crashes Into Fire Truck: Injured Workers in the News, #77

In California, a Tesla Driver died when his car slammed into a Fire Truck.  It is reported that several of the firefighters at the scene were slightly injured. The cause of the accident is being investigated.  Intoxication or possibly the Tesla’s Autopilot may be the cause. dailymail.com

If The Tesla Driver Was At Fault, Can The Firefighters Pursue Workers’ Compensation Claims?

Yes. The Firefighters were injured in a circumstance that arose out of employment and was in the course and scope of employment.  Thus, they satisfy the AOE/COE requirement to pursue a workers’ compensation claim.

If The Firefighters Were Injured In the Same Accident, Will They All Get the Same Compensation?

No. Each workers’ compensation case is based upon the individual and the nature and extent of their personal medical conditions.  Likewise, there compensation is also impacted by their wage, their age and their occupation.  It is quite possible that two of these firefighters could have sustained identical injuries but receive different amounts of compensation.  For example, a very young worker could receive less than a much older worker.

Do The Firefighters Have Another Lawsuit to Pursue?

Possibly.  It appears that either the Tesla Driver or the Tesla Vehicle may be responsible for the accident.  A thorough investigation is necessary to determine who, if any, was negligent.  The reporting to date provides no indication.

What if I Need Advice?

If you would like a free consultation regarding workers’ compensation, please contact the Law Offices of Edward J. Singer, a Professional Law Corporation. We have been helping people in Central and Southern California deal with their workers’ compensation cases for 27 years. Contact us today for more information.

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