Note to our valued subscribers: Workers’ Comp Executive will be taking its annual holiday break starting Monday, December 20. We will resume daily netletter publication Monday, January 3, 2022. We wish all of our subscribers a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Tornado deaths in Kentucky may test workers’ comp laws after candle factory collapse
Supervisors of a Mayfield, Kentucky, candle factory heard the tornado warning sirens, but employees say they were warned that they would be fired if they left their shifts early to shelter at home or anywhere else but their jobs. Undoubtedly, there will be investigations into the safety choices of the company, and lawsuits will likely follow. There will almost certainly be workers’ compensation claims. NBC News
Employee says she risked discipline if she left job amid storm
An employee of the Kentucky candle factory where eight of her colleagues were killed by a tornado says a supervisor threatened her with written disciplinary action if she went home early because storms were approaching. A spokesman for the company insisted employees were free to leave anytime. Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Family of employee killed in Ohio power plant collapse files wrongful death lawsuit
One year after the deadly collapse of an Adams County, Ohio power plant, the family of an employee who was killed has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the companies hired to demolish the plant. Cincinnati Enquirer
Attorney discusses maritime and defense base claims
The Defense Base Act covers employees in all fields on military installations, from mechanical employees to teachers or even dentists and can include both physical and emotional disability. Here, Boston-based attorney Christopher Hug discusses the very specific area of maritime industrial accidents, injury, and compensation. Legal Talk Network [with audio]