Thursday, August 30, 2007

This Date in Arkansas Labor History


On August 30, 1919, Charles Nalley suffered a broken leg in an accident while driving a delivery wagon and delivering ice cream and milk on West Ninth Street in Little Rock. His employer, Terry Dairy Company, denied violating the child labor law or knowing that Nalley was only 13-years old. It also contested the $1,000 jury award for his injuries.

Today, after the 1993 amendments to the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Act, workers in Arkansas have greatly reduced coverage for job-related injuries. Employers almost always contest any Workers' Comp insurance claim, and they usually appeal the decisions when injured workers receive medical benefits. Fewer attorneys will accept Workers Compensation clients, because the system is so stacked in favor of the employers and litigation costs often make it prohibitive.

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