Orlando Permanent Total Disability Trial Award – $765,000

2015 – After over a year of litigation, this gentleman proceeded to trial and was awarded Permanent Total Disability benefits. When reduced to present value, the monetary value of case is over $765,000 PLUS all of his future medical care which may include further back surgery.

This client worked for a local municipality for almost 20 years doing medium to heavy maintenance work. He had an accident in October 2012 in which he re-injured a prior low back condition that had been sustained as a result of previous accidents. The employer and insurance company tried to blame this gentleman’s inability to maintain employment on his pre-existing conditions. However, medical testimony, along with vocational expert testimony, demonstrated to the Judge of Compensation Claims that this injured worker was unable to obtain employment at this time due to the residuals from his work related accident. Of note in the Judge’s decision was the fact that the injured worker, through his attorney, requested assistance from the employer and their insurance company in locating a new job. The employer and the insurance company failed to assist and the client had hundreds of unsuccessful job searches.