Case Out of Australia has Interesting Implications for North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Matters
Most North Carolina workers’ compensation matters that this blog covers are local or national. But today we turn our attention to a fascinating case out of Australia involving a pilot for the airline Qantas. This story’s applicability to North Carolina workers’ compensation concerns may be somewhat indirect, but it’s a gripping one, so we had to include it!
Background
A pilot named Bryan Arthur Griffin flew for Qantas in the late ‘70s and early ‘80s. During that time, he developed a mental illness related to obsessive compulsion and anxiety. Mr. Griffin felt a tremendous urge to crash the airplanes he was flying. He heard a voice inside of him telling him to turn off the engines, to cry and scream, to intentionally ignore crew instructions, and so forth. On one flight to Singapore, he developed an urge to crash the plane that was so strong that he had to physically immobilize his arm to avoid killing a whole plane full of people.
Throughout his ordeal, Mr. Griffin was repeatedly looked at by doctors and evaluated by Qantas. Amazingly, the doctors and the airline allowed him to continue to fly for over three years. Not only did allowing Mr. Griffin to fly potentially endanger passengers and crew, but doing so also caused health problems for Mr. Griffin, who became more anxious, depressed, and compulsive as his stint as a pilot wore on.
Eventually, an Australian Commissioner in charge of adjudicating workers’ compensation matters won a judgment for Mr. Griffin for $160,000 for all of his pain, anxiety, and compulsive problems. Qantas also had to pay for his legal and medical fees.
Have you or a family member ever been forced to work at a job that’s caused you anxiety, depression, or compulsion? Your on-the-job injuries and occupational diseases may be covered by North Carolina workers’ compensation.
Take the first step to filing a claim today by connecting with a reputable North Carolina workers’ compensation attorney for a confidential and free consultation. Understand your rights – and your employer’s responsibilities – so you don’t endanger yourself or others at work.
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