need advice

arizona - i am asking on behalf of my husband, he was attending an auto vocational school. instead of going home for christmas break '98, he took a temporary job offered by the school. he was injured (fell through roof), and we had to fight for workers comp. benefits. he was asked not to return to school until he was walking unassisted. during his recovery time the school called his absence a drop-out even though they were aware of the accident. they collected on all remaining loans and grants and failed to attempt to collect on the remaining balance (which would have been paid after graduation) of school costs instead, handing balance over to a collection agency. doctors advised he should persue a new career path(sit down, possibly computer related) but he feels he could remain in the automotive field in a less strenuous situation such as auto. computer diaognostics. so he tried to return to school '02, only to be told of a debt he had no idea he had, which needs to be paid before he can return. do we have any legal recourse, and if so, is this still a workers comp related problem?

[Beth3]

The employer's liabilty to pay for his work related injuries is an entirely separate matter than the contract he signed when he became a student. That would outline the payment terms, conditions under which he could be released from school, etc. Unless it specified that any student loans, grants, tuition, etc. would be "forgiven" or payment delayed should he become disabled, I don't see that he has any recourse but to pay up.

While it would have been nice if they cut him some slack on the payment terms given that he was injured while working for them, they would not be required to do so. If I finance a new car through an auto dealership and then break a leg while working for them, they're still going to be looking for the car payments I owe.

If there is any question under the terms of the contract he signed with the school when he enrolled as to whether he had to repay the money if he became disabled and/or had to drop out or take a leave, then you should consult with an attorney.