Accident Fund Denies Workers Comp Benefits For Hero Survivor

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Michigan workers comp lawyer posts commentary on Accident Fund’s decision to deny workers comp benefits for Joplin tornado survivor.

I recently came across an article from Yahoo News describing how a survivor of the Joplin tornado was denied workers comp benefits. This was one of the worst tornados in US history and killed 162 people.

Mark Lindquist was a social worker responsible for taking care of developmentally disabled adults. He was seriously injured when the Joplin tornado struck the group home where he works. He was in a coma for several days and racked up over 2.5 million in medical costs. It was miracle he survived as he was tossed nearly a block by 200 mph winds.

Accident Fund denied his workers comp claim even though his injuries occurred while he was at work trying to save the lives of three men with Down syndrome. Accident Fund denied benefits “based on the fact that there was no greater risk than the general public” at the time he was caught in the Joplin tornado.

Who pays his medical bills?

Lindquist could not afford health insurance and has no way to pay his medical bills. People around Joplin have been donating, but it is not nearly enough to cover his medical expenses.

When insurance companies deny valid workers comp claims, employees have no choice but to find other ways to get medical treatment. Sick and injured people don’t just go away.

Some individuals are forced to use Medicare or Medicaid because they have no other option. This shifts the burden from the responsible workers comp carrier to the taxpayer.

Stop insurance company abuse

Most people are outraged when an insurance company refuses to pay a legitimate workers comp claim. Insurance companies always find creative ways to deny benefits.

Insurance companies must be held accountable to pay benefits for legitimate workers comp claims. You can stop workers comp abuse by challenging a bad decision in court.

Lindquist has the option of challenging the Accident Fund’s decision in the Missouri Division of Workers Compensation.  This should be done immediately. Unfortunately, a legal battle will cause him even more hardship while he waits for a decision.

To speak with one of our workers compensation lawyers, call (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation.

*Update: Accident Fund relents to public pressure and will pay workers comp benefits.

Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. He’s been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years.  Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case.

Related information:

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11/01/2011

Author Bio Jeffrey Kaufman

Author
Jeffrey E. Kaufman
Michigan Workers Comp Attorney

Jeffrey E. Kaufman has extensive experience in workers compensation cases and has recovered millions of dollars in benefits for his clients. He believes all injured workers deserve to be on equal footing with insurance companies and employers, and fights tenaciously so their rights are secured and protected.


“Jeff also helped me with getting my Blue Cross bills paid. I would absolutely recommend him and the whole firm. Jeff and the firm did everything they were supposed to do for me and my case.”
Ricardo Perfetto

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Get Help From our Michigan Workers’ Comp Lawyers Today

You’re not alone. Our Michigan workers’ comp lawyers have been called the best in the state, and our clients love how they’re treated with care, respect, and responsiveness. We will give you the time you need, we will explain your legal rights, and we will always treat you with respect.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Injured? It’s Time to Get Some Answers

Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Request your free consultation today.

"*" indicates required fields

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our attorneys post regularly about common issues related to workers’ comp, including common injuries, settlement calculations, laws, and more.

Our workers’ compensation and Social Security disability lawyers always put your needs first. Get to know your legal team.