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Worker's Compensation

Posted by: Judy Pippin
January 07, 2008
Topic: Worker's Compensation

We are now officially in the year of 2008. It's a time of rejuvenation, a time to believe that anything can happen; maybe even a miracle. As I read through the news, I am drawn to stories about miracles. The recent work-related accident involving a window washer is one of the stories that I am repeatedly drawn to. Amazingly, this gentleman survived a 47 story fall from a Manhattan skyscraper when his scaffolding collapsed. Unfortunately, his brother and co-worker were killed in this horrific accident. I find myself marveling over the fact that these two brothers were simply doing their job when this terrible accident occurred. I am not sure how long they had been skyscraper window washers or what their training consisted of, but none of that matters for the purpose of receiving worker's compensation benefits.

If this accident had occurred in Indiana, the dependants of the brother who passed away would receive death benefits through workers' compensation. The miracle brother, who has now survived ten surgeries, would get all of his medical bills paid at 100% and benefits called Total Temporary Disability (TTD) for his wages while he is unable to work. His injuries included but were not limited to broken legs, a broken right arm and a shattered wrist, as well as severe injuries to his chest, abdomen and spinal column and bleeding in his brain. As you can imagine, everyone is ecstatic that he survived and is alive. At this point, I have not read very much regarding how long his projected treatment will be or how well he will be able to function once his treatment is complete. However, the injured worker is 37 years old and without a doubt it will affect him for the rest of his life. While I hope this guy can return to some type of employment in the future, it is something to be concerned with. Due to his extensive injuries, if his accident occurred in Indiana, I would keep an eye on a Permanent Total Disability (PTD) claim for this worker, which would allow for additional benefits under Indiana Law.


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