Variety

Published on: March 31, 2020

How Are Police Departments Dealing with Workers’ Compensation, Staff and Supply Shortages for COVID-19?

Detroit. New York. Fort Worth. Boston.

These are some of the largest police departments in the country, and all are suffering the effects of COVID-19. On a recent Friday, 10% of the New York police force, about 4,111 officers, called in sick as the virus began to move through the ranks. Over 500 personnel of the department have tested positive for the virus, including some top-ranking officials. Detroit’s PD has 20% of its officers under quarantine, while Boston’s former Boston Police Commissioner Ed Davis expressed what many officers and citizens alike worry about.

Published on: March 27, 2020

John Pizicas of Orlando, FL, Faces DUI Charges after Leading Troopers on Chase

by Brian Silber

The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has announced DUI charges against an Orlando man accused of leading troopers on a chase through construction zones last Sunday.

John Pizicas, 41, was charged for DUI damage to property or persons, leaving the scene of a crash involving damage to property, and fleeing with disregard of safety to persons or property. The press did not name an attorney for him.

Published on: March 26, 2020

South Carolina First Responders Ineligible for COVID-19 Workers’ Compensation

by Brian Silber

First responders put themselves on the line every day when they rush to the site of an accident or a citizen in need. This is even more true in this time of the COVID-19 pandemic, especially since so much is unknown about the virus. Those carrying the disease may not have any symptoms, yet they may be spreading it to everyone they are near, including first responders who arrive to help with no thought for their own safety.

South Carolina first responders are now asking if they will be eligible for Worker’s Compensation if they contract COVID-19 in the course of their work. The answer, unfortunately, is far from simple.

Published on: March 24, 2020

Coronavirus and Workers’ Compensation

by Brian Silber

The scenario is becoming more and more a reality: workers on the job becoming ill with COVID-19. Much of what is happening across the US has never happened before, so the question remains unanswered: Can workers who have to remain on the job file for worker’s compensation if they contract the virus? The answer isn’t clear yet.

On the job injuries, which come with paid time away from the job and paid medical bills, must be proven before those benefits will be awarded. And that’s not easy in the case of the current crisis with the coronavirus. The Bureau of Workers’ Comp has to be able to find proof that the employer is to blame. And since you can contract the virus while doing everyday activities outside of work, too, it won’t be easy.

Published on: March 9, 2020

Uber Driver Clint Fischer of Orlando, FL, Accused of Killing Passenger in DUI Crash

by Brian Silber

Police in Haines City announced that an Uber driver is facing charges after he allegedly crashed his vehicle while under the influence of meth and marijuana, killing his passenger.

Clint Fischer, 27, of Orange County was charged with DUI manslaughter, vehicular homicide, and possession of meth and drug paraphernalia. It is unclear if he has acquired the services of an attorney.