Injured Teacher Still Fighting for Workers’ Comp

January 24, 2024

Florida teacher was beaten and waiting for benefits

  • A Florida teacher whom a 270-pound student attacked is living off of donations as she struggles to get her workers’ comp claim resolved.
  • Joan Naydich, a teacher at Matanzas High School in Palm Coast, Fla., was beaten unconscious by 17-year-old Brendan Depa last year after she took a video game away from him.
  • The attack left her with five broken ribs, a severe concussion and hearing loss.
  • Activists in the state are asking for leniency for the assailant.
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Janitors face injuries and should be aware of workers’ comp 

  • Janitorial workers can be exposed to needlesticks and should be aware of potential danger spots, the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries said in a new tip sheet.
  • Needles can be found anywhere, but bathroom spaces around fixtures such as toilets and sinks should be considered potential hazard areas.
  • Needles are often disposed of in trash cans and found in bathroom stalls and under toilet paper or paper towel dispensers.
  • If a janitorial worker is struck by a needle at work, they should fill out a workers’ compensation claim with the medical professional who provides care.
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New Mexico counties receive workers’ comp awards

  • The New Mexico Counties presented Harding, Hidalgo, Rio Arriba, Lea, and Doña Ana Counties with a Workers’ Compensation Safety Award during the 2024 NMC Legislative Conference.
  • These counties achieved a positive claim trend and the lowest frequency of workers’ compensation claims for 2023.
  • The awards are based on the number of employees and are divided into five divisions.
  • Each winning county received a $7,000 contribution refund.
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Record-breaking $8.6B in structured settlements

  • The National Structured Settlements Trade Association announced that 2023 was an all-time record-setting year for the structured settlements industry.
  • In 2023 the structured settlements industry placed $8.623 Billion of premium.
  • There were various reasons structured settlements are expanding and that includes structured settlements received by the injured party are tax-free.
  • There is also more protection against premature dissipation of settlement monies – an injured party may lack the financial sophistication necessary to manage and invest a substantial settlement fund properly.
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