“Saturday Night Live” alumni Chris Kattan says accident led to years of problems and addiction.
Variety is reporting on Chris Kattan and his struggles from an accident on the set of “Saturday Night Live.” He fell back in a chair while performing a live sketch that aired in 2001. He said producers of the show gave him a recommendation for a doctor and NBC covered two of his five surgeries. He says the accident nearly paralyzed him, led to years of addiction, and sidetracked his career. An NBC spokesperson told Variety that it had no record of any claim and refused comment. Several “insiders” told Variety they could not recall the injury. It is a must read for anyone dealing with the consequences of a work accident.
Chris Kattan is a funny guy and it is sad to read about his struggles. His experience mirrors what our clients face on a regular basis and shows that even celebrities are not immune to problems after a work accident. We picked out a few issues from the article that can serve as lessons for people dealing with workers’ compensation.
Lesson: Stigma from getting hurt is real
Many people feel that it is somehow wrong to stand up for themselves and assert their legal rights. They do not want to be the guy or gal who files a lawsuit and causes problems for their employer. It is easier to ignore the situation and hope things get better on their own. The stigma that comes from getting hurt on-the-job is real.
Lesson: Waiting too long means no benefits
It is amazing how many times employers are unable to find old accident reports. This is used as a defense to paying claims even when they are clearly on the hook. We recommend our clients keep a copy of the accident report as proof the event happened. Waiting too long to pursue legal remedies could mean a workers’ compensation claim is time barred.
Lesson: Addiction to painkillers is a concern
The United States has a problem with opioid abuse. It has reached epidemic levels and people are dying. These powerful drugs can become addictive even when used as prescribed. Addiction prolongs disability and interferes with all aspects of a person’s life. Workers’ compensation typically pays for addiction treatment but asking for help can be difficult.
Lesson: Co-workers turn against you
Our clients always believe their co-workers will support them at trial should they be called to testify. We do not find this to be true and experience shows that self-interest rules the day. Co-workers do not want to risk their jobs by getting involved. We have even seen them make up stories just to protect their bosses.
Lesson: Difficult burden of proof
Common sense is not the legal standard when deciding if an employee is entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Individuals with pre-existing conditions must prove their employment somehow caused their need for medical treatment and/or disability. It is common to spend thousands of dollars to litigate a disputed claim and support from a doctor is required.
Lesson: Nobody gets rich from workers’ compensation
Workers’ compensation does not pay much to employees hurt on-the-job. It generally covers medical bills and a percentage of lost wages. Many of our clients find themselves with permanent loss of function and not much to show for it. Pain and suffering will not be available.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.
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