Workplace Injury and Compensation: Court Orders Company to Pay 159,131 Yuan for Five-Level Disability

Workplace Injury and Compensation: Court Orders Company to Pay 159,131 Yuan for Five-Level Disability

Case Overview
A Chinese civil court in Eastern China ruled in favor of an injured worker, ordering his employer to pay a total of 159,131 yuan in various工伤 benefits after the worker suffered severe hand injuries while operating a plastic injection molding machine. The court upheld the worker’s five-level disability rating and confirmed the termination of the employment relationship between the parties.

Case Background and Facts
The plaintiff, a gift company based in Eastern China, employed the defendant, Mr. Huang, as a logistics worker starting in April 2008. Mr. Huang later transferred to the position of injection molding operator. The parties had signed a labor contract specifying hourly wages. On December 18, 2009, during the afternoon work shift, Mr. Huang was operating a plastic injection molding machine when his right thumb, index finger, middle finger, ring finger, and little finger were accidentally crushed by the machine. The injuries were severe and required immediate medical attention.

Court Proceedings and Evidence
Mr. Huang received medical treatment at a local hospital on three separate occasions, totaling 70 days of hospitalization. He was diagnosed with crush injuries to the first through fourth fingers of his right hand, as well as vascular, nerve, and tendon damage to his right little finger. The medical expenses, except for 25 yuan paid by Mr. Huang himself, were covered by the company. On March 5, 2010, the local labor and social security bureau issued a formal work injury determination, confirming the incident as a work-related accident. On August 26, 2010, the citys labor ability assessment committee rated Mr. Huangs disability as level five.

The company then applied to the labor dispute arbitration commission, which issued a ruling on December 10, 2010, ordering the company to pay Mr. Huang 165,131 yuan in total benefits, minus a 6,000 yuan advance, leaving a net payment of 159,131 yuan. Dissatisfied with this amount, the company filed a lawsuit seeking a recalculation of the compensation. During court proceedings, the company challenged the disability rating, requesting a new assessment. The court commissioned a judicial appraisal institute, which confirmed the five-level disability rating. The reassessment incurred additional costs of 120 yuan for medical fees, 200 yuan for accommodation, and 676 yuan for transportation.

Court Findings and Judgment
The court found that a clear employment relationship existed between the company and Mr. Huang, as evidenced by the signed labor contract. The court confirmed that Mr. Huang sustained his injuries during working hours, at the workplace, and due to work-related activities, which had been officially recognized as a work injury. The court approved Mr. Huangs request to terminate the employment relationship. Since the disability rating was confirmed as level five through the court-ordered reassessment, and both parties did not dispute the specific amounts calculated in the arbitration award, the court upheld those figures. The court ordered the company to pay Mr. Huang a total of 165,131 yuan, comprising a one-time disability subsidy of 24,000 yuan, a medical subsidy of 64,893 yuan, a disability employment subsidy of 64,893 yuan, wages during the suspension period of 8,250 yuan, disability assessment fees of 300 yuan, hospitalization meal subsidies of 1,470 yuan, medical expenses of 25 yuan, and transportation costs of 1,300 yuan. After deducting the 6,000 yuan advance, the company was required to pay 159,131 yuan within ten days of the judgment taking effect. The court also ordered the company to bear the court costs and reassessment fees totaling 2,796 yuan.

Key Legal Principles
The court applied the principle that an employer is liable for all medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and income replacement for an employee who suffers a work-related injury. The court also recognized that a workers disability rating is a critical factor in determining the amount of compensation, and that a reassessment by an independent judicial body can be ordered when the employer disputes the original rating. The court further held that once a work injury is confirmed, the employee has the right to terminate the employment relationship and claim all statutory benefits.

Practical Insights
This case highlights the importance for employers to maintain proper work injury insurance and to comply with statutory compensation obligations. For employees, it demonstrates that a formal work injury determination and disability rating are essential for securing full compensation. Employers should be aware that challenging a disability rating may lead to additional costs if the reassessment confirms the original rating. Employees should also keep records of all medical expenses, transportation costs, and other related expenditures to support their claims.

Legal References
Labor Law of the Peoples Republic of China, Article 73, Paragraph 1, Subparagraph 3
Regulations on Work-Related Injury Insurance, Articles 29, 31, 34, 35, and 61

Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified attorney for specific legal matters.