My husband hurt himself at work and his boss will not pay him for time off. What to do?

Question

My husband cut his wrist open at work yesterday. He was working under a house plumbing using a razor blade to cut around a pipe and it broke and cut his wrist all the way down. His boss took him to the emergency room, and they performed surgery on his wrist. He had a to have a couple of blood vessels sewn back together and 11 stitches. They thought he may have nicked an artery, but thankfully he did not. The surgeon gave him orders to keep his wrist elevated for at least 48 hours and to take off work for at least a week. However, the owner of the company refuses to pay him for the time he is off. He took off today, but against doctor's orders, he is going in tomorrow because we can't afford not to. The owner of the company is a real jerk and most likely he is going to expect him to go back to regular duties (he is a carpenter). Should we ask the doctor to notify the boss and let him know he needs to take it easy for a while? I told him no job is worth ruining his health and risking infection. However our hands are tied because we aren't sure what else to do. Any suggestions?

Answer 1

My hubby was hurt on the job and it wasn't the employer's direct responsiblity to pay him, it was Workman's Comp.  Go through them.  I wouldn't let him go to work tomorrow.  He could do more damage to his wrist by trying to work normally.  I would definitely get a doctor's note that says he is to take it easy and be off work for "x" days.  Documentation, documentation, documentation!

Answer 2

Workers comp.

I myself would pay him, but I care about my people.

Answer 3

LAWSUIT UR HUSBAND IS NOT A SLAVE, HE ALMOST LOST HIS LIFE WHILE WORKING, EITHER U TELL HIS BOSS THAT HE WILL SUE OR PAY UP.

IF HE REFUSE SUE HIM

Answer 4

There is a plumber's union, is there not? Your husband could file a grievance with his union, who could then take appropriate action. Also, depending upon the laws of the state in which you are living, you may want to consider filing a civil law suit.

Answer 5

It may be that your husband's employer has not been '' PAYING IN '' to a Compensation Insurer.  That is usually against the law.  That may be why he isn't helping your husband during his injury.  At any rate, here is a list of the folks that can help you.  They are listed by state.  Just click on your state, and get a phone number, and pick up the phone.  They will give you the info you need.

http://www.comp.state.nc.us/ncic/pages/a...