Korean Job Discussion Forums

[Canonite]

So... as some of you know, about a month ago I was riding my bike when a van came and hit me and I ended up taking out my friend (a fellow bike rider). Initially I was okay, but two days later my back started killing me and it was determined at the hospital that I had a sprain/soft tissue damage.

My bike had minimal (100k won) damage on it that I've had to pay for to get fixed. Since then I've also had to pay for random small things like transferring my file from one hospital to another and medication (about 30k won total).

I was asked to stay in the hospital, but I declined because I had my open class to decide whether I get another contract two days later. I'm pretty sure that not playing the stupid Korean game of killing time in the hospital to impress the insurance company is really kicking me in the ass.

Here's what the insurance company has offered me: all medical expenses up to today, but no more (ie: physio) after today. And 500k won. That means that for all the sh*t I went through, the pain that the doctor said will likely be there in one form or another for the rest of my life, I'm getting paid out roughly 370k won. This, by North American standards, is an absolute slap in the face. At home, something like this would net you a few grand at least. But...this is not Canada...so, in the Korean context, is that a fair payout OR am I getting screwed royally?

Apparently my friend who got hit with me, her boss fought for us to get a better payout (she's getting a way better deal than I am because she broke her knee and spent a few days in the hospital)...we've been in this together, and she's signing today. So, if I don't sign today, I lose the Korean interpreter and I'd be completely on my own.

I have until 3 p.m. today to decide...should I dig in my heels and fight, or take the money and walk away?

[Captain Corea]

Tough decision that only you can make.

I'm all for fighting the good fight, but I get the feeling that you'll lack in resources and might not get the pay out you're imagining.

Good luck either way.

[plchron]

What are the other options?

Option #1 is 370k

Option #2- find a translator, maybe a korean student at the university. bargain for more.


Option #3- give them an ultimatum (come up with your own sum of money that you want) and tell them that if they don't pay you will take all of them to court.

Considering how low the settlement is compared to what you are entitled to, I would sue them. I have heard that when they get the summons letter that they flip (at least hagwon owners). I think you might be able to contact TEFL law also. google it.

[Canonite]

Thanks for the input! I'll look into TEFL law...

Bit of a development, my vice principal found out about this and he's now lobbying the insurance company to give me 500k cash plus future medical expenses...that, I think, I can live with. Then I can go to physio without worrying how much it is, and I walk away with a pathetic little sum, but at least I walk away with a little money to offset all the hours I've put into this...

[OculisOrbis]

Never accept the first offer. It wouldnt hurt, when you decline their offer, to mention that you need to talk to your lawyer about more options......

[GoldMember]

There's a schmuck born every minute. Usually their lives revolve around what's fair. What's fair is irrelevant! It's all about how much you can get!. The mere fact that you take a 3:00pm dealine from an insurance company seriously tells these people they are dealing with a pushover. So what's going to happen after 3:00pm, is the sky going to fall in?. Your bike mechanic should be grossly overstating your repair costs, your doctor should provide a letter saying you need treatment 5 days a week for the next 6 months. Getting an insurance payout is a no brainer. Thousands have done it without having to get advice on Dave's. Why can't you?
Heres how it works. Insurance company reps are shrewd operators. If they are dealing with a ballsy person the offer is higher, a schumck, and the offer is lower. A know a smart Korean guy who got 2.0m just for a smudge on the bumper of his car. Be ballsy.

[Swampfox10mm]

I've read that if you tell them you have decided to get a lawyer, they will offer more.

[Captain Corea]