Verizon Facing Possible Felony Charges

Norfolk, Va., Brenda Smith was a 25 year employee of Verizon. She became injured on the job from carbonless copy paper (ccp). She filed a workers compensation claim. Two weeks before the hearing, there was a deposition of one of her doctors. In this deposition, the doctor presented both written and verbal evidence that Brenda was extremely sensitized to the chemicals in ccp and should never be re-exposed. Such re-exposure could cause severe adverse health effects. Richard Donaldson of Jones, Blechman, Woltz, & Kelly of Newport News Va. was outside counsel and Harrison Bush, corporate counsel represented Verizon at the hearing. Brenda was the first witness. About 45 minutes into the hearing, Mr. Donaldson brought out an envelope from the floor. He opened the envelope and threw a two inch stack of ccp in front of Brenda and ask her to pick it up and identify it as the product she was claiming had injured her. Within four to five minutes, Brenda lay on the floor unconscious. She almost died.

Witness's saw a management employee of Verizon give the envelope to Mr. Donaldson right before the hearing. This was a planned act by Verizon and their representatives to apparently cause further harm and/or death to Brenda. Documents have recently surfaced that state such re-expsoure could be fatal. According to Virginia law, such action could be considered a class two felony, aggravated malicious wounding or malicious bodily injury caused by a caustic substance, a class three felony. Punishment ranges from 12 months to life in prison. Local authorities are reivewing the case. In addition, Brenda can file another worker's compensation claim and civil charges against Verizon and involved parties for various claims.

It is difficult to believe that a company such as Verizon would stoop so low and go to such efforts to apparently try and deprive a 25 year employee of deserved benefits and compensation. This case clearly demonstrates the real care and concern Verizon has for their employees.

Contacts:
Brenda Smith
bsmith594@cox.net,

VERIZON
David.M.Feldman@verizon.com
Tel: 212-395-2121

Paul.T.Miller.Jr@verizon.com,
Tel: 804-772-1460

Richard Donaldson,
Rdonaldson@jbwk.com,
Tel: 757-873-8016

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