The cab-driving victim of a brutal stabbing is receiving New York State workers' compensation benefits for a majority of his salary as he and his family research their options of what to do next.

Ahmed Sharif received a gash in his neck after a camera man with ties to liberal organizations reportedly asked about his religion and then attempted to slit his throat. Mr. Sharif, a Muslim, was clearly the victim of workplace violence because he is a taxi driver and it occurred in the vehicle.

But Mr. Sharif is facing a problem that affects many seeking workers' compensation benefits. The injuries he received make it impossible for him to return to work, yet he is only receiving $30,000, or two-thirds of his normal salary. Because he doesn't receive health insurance or other benefits, that is his sole source of income currently.

While he was the victim of a unique attack related to political tensions, the statistics indicate that workplace violence is a common cause of workers' compensation cases in New York and throughout the United States.

The media attention may have helped to solidify Mr. Sharif's claims that he was eligible for workers' compensation benefits, but other employees have not been so lucky and seen their workers' comp benefits claims denied. It is possible to reverse these decisions, but the workers' compensation appeals process can be complicated for those without the aid of front page coverage.