WAL-MART EMPLOYEE TERMINATED AFTER MAKING WORKERS COMP CLAIM AND TESTING POSITIVE FOR MARIJUANA

A Michigan man who was fired from Wal-Mart when he failed a drug test due to his use of medicinal marijuana has filed a lawsuit against his former employer. Joseph Casias claims in his lawsuit that in November 2009 he twisted his knee while at work.

Under Wal-Mart policy, employees who are injured at work must take a drug test. The lawsuit claims that Casias showed his bosses the paperwork from the state allowing him to use medicinal marijuana to alleviate pain from a brain tumor, but he was fired regardless after failing the drug test. The lawsuit seeks unspecified damages.

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Employee Injured When Thrown from Horse

An employee at a Medieval Times restaurant in Schaumburg, Ill. has filed a lawsuit against the owners after he was flung from a horse during a dinner show. Frank Kaszycki claims in his lawsuit that during the show, the horse suddenly reared up and threw him onto his back and then fell on top of him, causing him injury. The lawsuit is seeking more than $50,000 in damages.  Serena Maria Daniels, Chicago Tribune.

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Workers File Lawsuit After Plant Explosion

Workers at a Kleen Energy power plant filed a lawsuit against contractor after an explosion occurred during the gas line purge.  The explosion occurred on February 7, 2010. 

According to the Hartford Courant, th workers conducting the gas line purge were poorly trained and used gas fueled torches at the time of the blast.  The plaintiffs suffered severe head injuries when they were thrown against the wall.

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$20 MILLION SETTLEMENT FOR WORKERS COMP FRAUD

The LA Times is reporting a temporary agency has settled a workers compensation fraud lawsuit filed by the California Insurance Commission for $20 million.  The Insurance Commission alleged the temporary agency, Staffing Services Inc., misrepresented the number of its employees and their job duties in order to pay less in insurance premiums.  The regulators filed the lawsuit in November 2008 and the Los Angeles County district attorney’s office prosecuted the case. 

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$100 Million Awarded to Refinery Workers

BP was ordered to pay over $100 million in damages to workers that were exposed to toxic substances in its refinery in Texas City, Texas.  The 10 plaintiffs in the lawsuit contended BP failed to maintain equipment and provide adequate safety controls.  As a result, more than 100 workers sought treatment to local hospitals on April 19, 2007.  BP said it would appeal the verdict and it was shocked and outraged by the outcome of the lawsuit. 

If you been hurt at work as a result of exposure to toxic chemicals, then you may be entitled to money damages.  Contact one of our attorneys today for a free legal consultation.

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