Court rejects workers’ comp for at-home fall
TALLAHASSEE – Nearly three years after a woman tripped over her dog while working at home, a state appeals court has ruled that she is not entitled to workers’ compensation insurance benefits for injuries she suffered.
The decision by the full 1st District Court of Appeal drew fierce dissents from two judges in a debate about links between injuries and jobs. The majority overturned a ruling by a judge of compensation claims, who said telecommuter Tammitha Valcourt-Williams was entitled to benefits after she tripped over her dog while reaching for a coffee cup in her kitchen.