Pazi B asked:


I was in an auto accident 6 months ago; the other driver completely at fault. The other driver’s auto insurance company has accepted full liability.

In the process of recovering, I had to use my sick time benefits from work in order to go to doctor appointments and 2 weeks of physical therapy. I am a salaried employee, and the sick time I used avoided my losing any pay for those medical visits.

Right now I am in the process of negotiating settlement with the other party’s insurance company. I initially thought I would be entitled to cash reimbursement for the sick time I had to use for the doctor visits and PT, since it was utilized as a result of the other party causing the accident.

However, the claims adjustor I am dealing with says I am not eligible for reimbursement since I am a salaried employee. They stated that because I didn’t lose any pay by going to the doctor and PT, that I am not entitled to reimbursement for the sick time used.

Is this true?

I guess my thoughts are that I had to use the sick time as a result of their policyholder’s actions. These were benefits I lost as a result of the acccident, and they could have been used in the future when I needed them. If I didn’t use the sick time, my salaried paycheck would have been reduced appropriately.

I have never been in an accident before, and have not involved an attorney at this point.

Are there any adjustors out there who can provide some feedback regarding this issue?

The accident occurred in southern Wisconsin, if that helps.

Bonnie