Question

Barb was employed by the TC Supply Company, where she operated heavy machinery. Over time, Barb claimed that operating the heavy equipment has taken a serious toll on her health. At the end of 2015, Barb suffered an injury in which her hand was severely injured by a metal press. Her doctor alleges that she will no ever be able to work again because of the severity of her injury. The company alleges that it was Barb’s deteriorating work habits that caused the accident, not any company negligence. At the time of Barb’s injury, she was earning $25 an hour plus a benefits package that averaged 35 percent of her wages. Barb was 58 years old at the time of the accident and in deposition testimony said she was planning on working until 65 years old.

From the information provided, it is clear that:

a. The forensic accounting expert that TC Supply hires must first determine the extent of Barb’s injuries.
b. TC Supply Company is liable in this case and will be required to pay for Barb’s injury.
c. The damages are not yet clear, but most certainly there will be punitive damages in the case.
d. At this point, there is not enough information to assess who is liable or the amount of damages.
e. Barb is clearly the one who is responsible for her injuries and will not receive any damages.

Answer 1

The answer to who is liable for Barb's injuries or the amount of damages cannot be determined with the current information. A forensic accounting expert would be tasked with calculating economic losses, not determining cause or liability. Historical context underscores the need for worker protections and benefits in situations like Barb's. The correct answer is a. The forensic accounting expert that TC Supply hires must first determine the extent of Barb’s injuries.

Step-by-step explanation:

From the information provided, it is not possible to conclusively determine who is liable for Barb's injuries or to assess the potential damages without further evidence. The possible negligence of TC Supply Company versus Barb’s job performance is central to the case.

The forensic accounting expert would play a role in quantifying the economic loss Barb suffered due to her injury, not in determining the cause or liability but rather in calculating the impact of the loss of her wages and benefits until her intended retirement age. Factors such as Barb's age, previous wage, and benefits, as well as her intended retirement age, would need to be considered.

In the context of ergonomics and workers' welfare, historical examples demonstrate the physically demanding and often dangerous conditions that factory workers, like those in the automotive plant mentioned, faced without sufficient economic protections.

This history highlights the critical need for safeguards and benefits for workers who suffer from job-related injuries or cannot work due to age-related physical decline.