We hear about these tragedies across the country, but this one has happened near my hometown, someplace I drive by practically every day. And, as I toured the operations of several insurance company vendors this week, I noticed the security measures that did – or didn't – exist in each workplace. Hopefully this will be an additional lesson, a hard one, that we need to have more secure workplaces across the country.
For the families of those killed and injured at Hartford Distributors Inc. there are serious ramifications over and above the shock and unexpected deaths and injuries of their loved ones. What happens next? What compensation are they entitled to? How do they go about applying for benefits?
By statue in Connecticut workers compensation is paid to the surviving spouse for life or until remarriage, with children receiving compensation until age 18. If a child enrolls in college, additional benefits may be paid. Claims may be filed for up to one year following the workplace death or injury.
Workers injured at work are eligible for workers compensation benefits until they are medically able to return to work, either full time or to light duty.
Sources* indicate, including John Mastropietro, chairman of the state Workers Compensation Commission, the cost in workers comp benefits may be very high – perhaps the highest ever paid.
Compensation paid is 75% of the average weekly wage after deductions, based on each employee’s weekly average of wage, bonus, shift differential and other earnings in the 52 weeks prior to the death or injury. (WCxKit)
The Teamster’s legislative liaison, John Hollis and The Hanover Insurance Group are available to assist families and workers filing workers comp claims, according to Mastropietro.
Omar Thornton, a driver for Hartford Distributors, who brought guns into the workplace in his lunchbox, opened fire and killed eight people and injured two others. After calling his mother on the phone, he killed himself. The man was caught on video stealing beer from the warehouse and was forced to resign during a union-supervised disciplinary session the morning of the shootings. The man told his mother he was upset over racial discrimination he said was directed at him over a period of time. He said Hartford Distributor refused to do anything about his complaints. It is unclear whether he made any official charges of racial discrimination to his employer. In recent days, two other persons were arrested on similiar charges of stealing beer and/or accepting stolen goods from Thornton.
*AP/The Hartford Courant
Author Rebecca Shafer, President, Amaxx Risks Solutions, Inc. has worked successfully for 20 years with many industries to reduce Workers’ Compensation costs, including airlines, healthcare, printing/publishing, pharmaceuticals, retail, hospitality and manufacturing. Contact: Info@ReduceYourWorkersComp.com or 860-553-6604.
WC Roundtable LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/groups?homeNewMember=&gid=1922050/
FREE IQ Test: http://www.workerscompkit.com/intro/
WC Books: http://www.LowerWC.com/workers-comp-books-manuals.php
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
WC Books: http://www.LowerWC.com/workers-comp-books-manuals.php
Do not use this information without independent verification. All state laws vary. You should consult with your insurance broker or agent about workers' comp issues.
©2010 Amaxx Risk Solutions, Inc. All rights reserved under International Copyright Law. If you would like permission to reprint this material, contact Info@WorkersCompKit.com
