Clerical Error Leads to Accusations, but Comedian Paid Workers Comp
Accusations last week that actor and comedian Jim Carrey is a “bad boss” turned out to be false – he does, in fact, pay his workers comp premiums.
Breaking news from TMZ last week accused Carrey of failing to pay for workers comp for his employees at his New York City art studio, Church of the FFC. Turns out, however, that Carrey did pay the premiums, and a clerical error from his workers comp insurer led to the confusion and a massive fine.
Reportedly,the New York State Workers Compensation Board had on file that Carrey had failed to pay workers comp for all of 2012, and slapped him with a $72,000 fine. When the board never saw any of the money for the fine, they decided to take the comedian to court.
Carrey’s lawyer maintained his client’s innocence, saying repeatedly that there must have been a clerical error of some kind. And indeed, there was.
The workers comp insurer that Carrey hired apparently filed his workers comp premiums under the wrong employer identification number. Carrey’s business, Church of the FFC, should have had workers compensation for the past year.
The actor provided the necessary paperwork to NYC officials, who have since cleared his name. Reportedly, the lawsuit and fine have been rescinded.
The Church of the FFC can go back to its artistic work, knowing that its workers comp premiums are covered.
Why do I need a work injury lawyer to get worker’s comp benefits?
Anyone can file a workers comp claim for a work-related injury on their own. The South Carolina Worker’s Comp Commission is supposed to oversee conflicts that arise between the injured employee and the employer’s insurance company.
However, even with a mediator, an injured employee is challenged to act on his own behalf against a business entity. Insurance companies have lawyers, lots of fine print and look for reasons not to pay. Workers’ compensation is their business. The company’s employees are experts. An injured employee is in a weakened and stressed state. Plus, the employee must be evaluated by a doctor hired by the insurance company; this evaluation is used to determine approval, treatment and/or settlement of the employee’s worker’s comp claim.
Here’s a quick look at specific obstacles that commonly arise in Workman’s Comp claims:
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Denied Claims
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Dispute Over Medical Treatments & Needs
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Return to Work Disputes
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Dispute Over Claim Settlement Offered
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Your Appeal Is Ready for District Court
The Strom Law Firm Can Help with Workers Comp Claims in South Carolina
The workers comp lawyers at The Strom Law Firm, LLC proudly seek justice on behalf of employees injured or killed on the job who work for private companies, as well as employees working for local county, city, and state government. We are licensed to practice throughout South Carolina, as well as Georgia and New York. If you are confused about worker’s comp laws, or have had your worker’s comp claim denied, contact us. We offer free consultations to discuss the facts of your case. 803.252.4800
