Opinion ID: 2307397
Heading Depth: 1
Heading Rank: 2

Heading: Workers' Compensation Wage Payment and Collection Act

Text: The Delaware Workers' Compensation statute sets forth the rights of employees and the responsibilities of employers. [3] Section 2357 provides: If default is made by the employer for 30 days after demand in the payment of any amount due under this chapter, the amount may be recovered in the same manner as claims for wages are collectible. (emphasis added). Claims for wages against one's employer may be made pursuant to the Wage Payment and Collection Act. [4] Section 1113(a) provides, A civil action to recover unpaid wages and liquidated damages may be maintained in any court of competent jurisdiction. [5] This Court has held that to give effect to provisions in Section 2357, the reference to wages in Section 1113(a) must be construed to include claims based on unpaid workmen's compensation benefits due after proper demand therefor has been made. [6] In other words, Section 1113(a) and Section 2357 must be read in pari materia. Accordingly, we hold that if a default is made by the employer for thirty days after demand in the payment of any amount due under the Workers' Compensation statute, the amount due may be recovered in the same manner as claims made pursuant to the Wage Payment and Collection Act. [7]