Man Arrested For Failing to Provide Workers Comp
Some Naples, Florida residents learned the importance of ensuring compliance with workers’ compensation laws. On June 26, 2013, two construction workers were struck by lightning while on the job. One was killed and the other seriously injured, Both men were employed by K.C. Tile and Marble at the time.
Unbeknownst to the family, the employer violated Florida law by not requiring the mandated workers’ compensation coverage! As such, one family could have received $7,500 to cover funeral costs. Furthermore, the state law provides up to $150,000 in death benefits, according to a Coral Springs Workers’ Compensation lawyer. Instead of receiving these funds, they got nothing. Likewise, the injured worker’s medical bills and lost wages were never paid.
Florida law provides almost all employees with workers’ compensation coverage. Employers therefore have a duty under Florida Statute Chapter 440 to make payments into the compensation fund. Those who fail to do so will receive a stop work notice, may be fined and or face criminal prosecution. In this case, authorities ordered the employer to halt its operations. Since the company however continued to operate in violation of the law, the owner was arrested on a felony charge of workers’ compensation fraud.
This example clearly demonstrates why comprehension of the workers’ compensation laws are necessary. A Coral Springs Workers’ Compensation lawyer, such as Evan Ostfeld, can advise employers and employees on the issue. Attorney Ostfeld is an expert at discerning the status of injured workers. To establish legitimate benefit claims, the government differentiates between “employees” and “independent contractors,” a nuance that a workers’ compensation lawyer can explain to clients. As all the individuals in this news story learned, the costs are too high to leave to chance. If you or someone you know have been in a similar legal situation contact the Law Officers of Evan Ostfeld at (866) I-SUE-YOU, (866) 478-3968.
