It is reported that a New York Attorney was stabbed to death by a prospective client as a result of his refusal to take her case. It is also reported that the potential client had previously threatened the attorney and was removed from office. In a later encounter, the fatal attack occurred. Nypost.com
The facts of the incident raises the question of what the attorney was covered under workers’ compensation.
Can Attorneys Be Covered Under Workers’ Compensation?
Yes. Attorneys can be covered under workers’ compensation. Attorneys that are employees of Law Firms are covered under workers’ compensation law. Sole Practitioners or Partners may be covered under workers’ compensation insurance. For example, the Law Firm may be a corporation and the practitioners or partners are considered as employees. Their coverage may be dependent on the insurance contract. This would include acknowledging these individuals as employees covered as well as paying premium for their wages.
Given the story’s fact, it would appear that the lawyer may have been a sole practitioner. Thus, a determinations should be made by the insurance carrier covering the office as to whether the attorney was listed as an employee for the purposes of the policy.
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.