Last week it was reported that a Florida businessman was arrested on charges for violating a stop-work order after failing to provide acceptable insurance coverage to his employees.

Joel Trujillo runs K.C. Tile and Marble, a construction company based in Naples, Florida.  Two of his employees were struck by lightning, one died.  Neither the survivor nor the family of the man who was killed received adequate workers’ comp benefits, leading to the discovery of the fraud.

The two men injured by the lightning strike were Jose Kenn Alexi Cruz Villamar and Robert Wiley.  Wiley died as a result of the injuries he suffered.

Because of the employer’s lack of workers’ compensation insurance, Wiley’s family was not allowed death benefits.  Death benefits could have included up to $7,500 of funeral expenses as well as compensation to dependents.  Benefits are payable up to a $150,000 maximum total.

Workers’ compensation insurance is required by Florida Statute and a workers’ compensation compliance investigator discovered that K.C. Tile and Marble failed to secure the coverage.

The findings in this investigation led to K.C. Tile and Marble receiving a Stop-Work Order by Florida Division of Workers’ Compensation Compliance.  Trujillo violated the stop work order, leading to his arrest.

Trujillo was booked into the Collier County Jail and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

Jeff Atwater, CFO of K.C. Tile and Marble, made a statement in regards to this incident –

“This tragedy is an example of why it is so important for companies to make sure their employees are covered by workers’ compensation insurance.  Ignoring the workers’ compensation law is not only criminal, it creates significant hardships for families that suffer from not only the loss or injury of a loved one, but also from the financial losses due to medical bills and missed work.”

At Darrell Castle & Associates, we agree with Atwater.

Our firm is dedicated to helping people who have been injured at their jobs. When accepting workers’ compensation for a significant injury, consider consulting a seasoned workers’ compensation lawyer Memphis, TN workers trust to learn about how you can maximize the benefits you’re eligible for. We want to make sure you get the compensation and help from your employer, or their insurance company, that you are entitled to.

A frequent fear for workers’ compensation clients is losing their job.  However, this is why employers have insurance to cover them.

If you’re suffering from a work-related injury and have any questions, contact us online today or call us at (901) 327-1212 and one of our experienced Tennessee attorneys will be glad to discuss your situation at no charge.