Worker Liability Insurance Company Refuses to Pay Bill...

by Susan
(IA)

I was filling in as a house-cleaner for a day for a business owner friend of mine. I was washing a hand-cut glass that cracked and cut my hand deeply. I was informed by the business owner she just got workers liability insurance and to go to the local emergency room.

Recently I received a large bill from the hospital and my friend said her insurance couldn't cover the claim, as they couldn't find an underwriter. She has canceled all policies with this company, but I feel they are responsible since they said she was covered initially. The homeowner doesn't have insurance and the bill came to me. I can't pay this bill.

Who is responsible?

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ANSWER for "Worker Liability Insurance Company Refuses to Pay Bill...":

Susan (IA):

You may have two sources of payment.

• First: Whether the company for whom you worked had workmans compensation or not, they should still be responsible for paying your medical bill. They can’t escape their legal responsibility just because they couldn’t find an underwriter.

• Second: You can also recover from the homeowners insurance for the home in which you were sent to clean. From a practical standpoint you may have some difficulty getting the homeowner to cooperate. Nevertheless have your employer intervene for you. You need to have the name of the homeowner’s insurance company, together with the policy and telephone numbers.

If your employer continues to refuse to make arrangements to pay your medical bill there is always the Small Claims Court process. In the State of Iowa the jurisdiction limit of a their Small Claims Court is $5,000.

So let’s say your medical bill was $2,500 dollars. You can sue your employer for the $2,500 dollars for the medical bill plus any of your out of pocket expenses, such as prescription medications or over the counter aids made necessary by your injury.

Add to that an amount for the wages you lost while you were being treated and recovering at home. Finally, the balance left of the $5,000 can be used to ask the court to award you compensation for pain and suffering.

Since laws change frequently and across jurisdictions you should get a personalized case evaluation from an attorney licensed in your state (if you haven't already). Find an experienced local attorney to give you a FREE personalized case review here.


Best of luck,

Law Guy