$675,000 Workers' Compensation Settlement
Our client sustained terrible injuries when he was thrown from a horse while working on a plantation. He struck a tree and both of his legs were broken. Tragically, his peroneal nerve was severed in his right leg, causing loss of feeling and function below his knee. After several surgeries and a difficult recovery, our client was left significantly disabled. He also developed diabetes, which we claimed was caused by his accident, due to his decrease in activity and weight gain.
However, the insurance company disagreed and continued to allege that our client could return to work. They also denied treatment for his diabetes. We filed suit for the judge to decide whether the diabetes was caused by the accident, and we continued to argue that our client was unable to work.
As the case moved toward trial, we met with the insurance company representatives and their attorneys and engaged in lengthy negotiations. Our efforts resulted in a $675,000 settlement for our client which will provide for him and his family, and enable him to receive the ongoing medical care he will need for the rest of his life.
Firm Wins Permanent Total Disability in Workers' Compensation Case
Our client was tragically injured when he sustained a high voltage electrical shock as a utility lineman working on transmission wires. The accident caused him severe burn injuries and resulted in the amputation of his left thumb and the toes on his left foot.
The insurance company for the employer strenuously fought our client's claim of permanent and total disability. The case was heavily litigated for fourteen months. Just hours before trial, the insurer finally relented and agreed our client was totally disabled. As a result of this victory, our client will receive all benefits possible: lost wages until age 75; and medical care for the rest of his life.
Since he was in his early thirties at the time of the accident, this settlement will result in benefits to the client in excess of $1,000,000.00 over his lifetime. The Judge also ordered the insurance company to pay our attorney fees and costs of litigation on behalf of the injured worked. The insurance company appealed this ruling. The First District Court of Appeal affirmed the Worker's Compensation Judge's ruling. This means that our client received all benefits to which he was entitled without having to pay us anything from his recovery or out of pocket.
$300,000 Workers' Compensation Settlement
Workers' compensation accidents can happen in the blink of an eye and forever change your life. They can strip you of your ability to work and provide for yourself or your family. Our client's life was changed in that way when a simple slip and fall resulted in a broken rib and elbow injury. Prior to his injury, our client was content earning a modest living in a packing house for a fruit hauling company. Unfortunately his injuries led to a neurological condition which the doctors diagnosed as reflex sympathetic dystrophy or RSD (also referred to a complex regional pain syndrome). Accordingly, we filed a permanent and total disability claim on his behalf, and fought for his back pay and medical care. We argued that his age, education, work experience and injuries resulted in his inability to return to any type of gainful employment for the rest of his life. The insurance company outwardly disagreed, but opted to settle the case for $300,000. This settlement will secure our client's financial future, allowing him time to focus on his health and physical recovery.
Firm Wins $170,000 Settlement in Workers' Compensation Claim for RSD Injury
Our client was a young woman in her 20's who injured her shoulder when she lifted an item overhead to place it on a shelf at work. Despite her continued complaints of pain, the doctors were initially unable to identify any particular injury other than muscle strains. However, our client continued to suffer severe pain. She became concerned with the waning interest of the insurance company regarding her claim and her medical condition, prompting her to retain us for advice and direction regarding her workers' compensation case. We discussed her condition with her doctors, and we filed for permanent and total disability benefits on her behalf. Ultimately, the doctors concluded that our client developed a type of neurological disorder called Reflex Sympathetic Disorder or RSD, a complicated and often misdiagnosed condition. Due to the nature of the accident and unclear diagnosis, the insurance company was very skeptical of our client's claims regarding her condition and inability to work, and refused to pay permanent and total disability benefits. We argued that the condition was permanently debilitating, and it would require the insurance company to pay for significant medical care and lost wages into the future. Based upon our arguments and preparation for a permanent and total disability hearing, the insurance company settled the case for $170,000.