Company Says On-the-Job Snakebite Is Not Compensable
Tuesday, July 19, 2016 | 0
A Chesterfield woman was denied workers’ compensation benefits after a baby copperhead bit her on the toe while she was taking a work break at The Results Group.
NBC12 in Richmond reported that Ke’Vonia Cousins was bitten July 2 at a building along Gateway Center Parkway west of Richmond. She spent three days in a hospital, received two doses of anti-venom and is undergoing physical therapy, the station reported.
In a statement to NBC12, The Results Group said, “We reported the incident to our workers compensation insurer promptly and have a preliminary response that the injury did not arise out of the course and scope of the injured worker’s employment. Our insurer advised that their position is based on their preliminary interpretation of the facts of the injury as they relate to the state of Virginia workers' compensation statute. We have reached out to the insurance adjusters and their legal counsel for further clarification on their reasoning behind that decision, and anticipate hearing back from them in the next couple of days.”
A statement from the property managers of the building where the woman was bitten said the snake crawled in through an open door. A pest control company has inspected the building and used a snake repellant, the company said.
The company has offered to help Cousins “in any practical way we can.”
Comments