WHEN THE LAW GETS WEIRD 2 Entertaining Workers’ Comp Claims
To most of us, the law is a labyrinthine puzzle that’s endlessly cryptic and utterly overwhelming . But what most people don’t realize is that even when it comes to workers’ compensation cases, the legal process can make for some strange and entertaining stories. For instance, all our clients should learn from the example of ex- postal worker Cathy Wrench Cashwell. In 2011, she filed a claim stating that she could no longer stand, sit, kneel, squat, climb, or lift her mail trays due to an on-the-job injury she had sustained way back in 2004. At first, it appeared that her claim would go off without a hitch. But then investigators discovered that she’d been on “The Price Is Right” and spun the famous big wheel twice on camera. In 2012, she was indicted for fraud, and she pleaded guilty almost immediately. At least Cashwell didn’t end up like the claimant in one 2011 Pennsylvania case. One day, when he and his fellow laborers were ostensibly working, they came upon a bowling ball near the work site. For a while, the crew held a shot-put contest to see who could throw the ball the farthest, but the situation quickly escalated, as these things often do. The challenge evolved into a competition to see who could smash the bowling ball with a sledgehammer, which the claimant accepted eagerly. On his first
strike, the ball cracked, and the supervisor advised him to “knock it off,” to no avail. With the next hit, the ball shattered, and a sharp piece blasted into the claimant’s eye. The workers’ compensation judge ruled that while irresponsible, the injury occurred within the scope and course of his employment. But the appellate court disagreed, arguing that the claimant had acted in direct violation of a work order from his superior. In the end, the claim was denied,
and we all learned an important lesson about safety.
Have a Laugh!
Roasted Asparagus With Lemon Breadcrumbs
Ingredients •
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1 cup panko breadcrumbs 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley, chopped
2 pounds asparagus
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1/3 cup plus 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
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2 teaspoons lemon zest Juice of one lemon (not packaged lemon juice)
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Kosher salt
Freshly ground pepper 2 garlic cloves, minced
Directions 1. Heat oven to 425 F. Toss
Add garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add breadcrumbs and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Remove from heat and fold in parsley and lemon zest. 3. Transfer asparagus to serving platter, drizzle with lemon juice, and top with breadcrumb mixture.
asparagus with 2 tablespoons olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place on baking sheet and bake for 20–26 minutes, turning asparagus halfway through. 2. When asparagus is nearly done, heat remaining olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat.
Recipe inspired by Food and Wine Magazine
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