Case Results

Steel I-Beam fell from wood framing and fell on welder who suffered a traumatic brain injury (TBI), thoracic spine compression fracture, fractured clavicle, fractured ribs and crushed foot/ankle. Following extensive litigation with the general contractor, subcontractors and suppliers to the job site, case settled at mediation.

Employee was caused to trip and fall at work on construction site. While walking across demolished floor of building being renovated, employee was caused to trip on a wire loop that was protruding from the demolished concrete floor. Employee was caused to fall forward landing on his knees. Employee sustained multiple injuries including a right patella fracture and neck injury. Eventually, Employee right patellofemoral replacement surgery. MRI of the cervical spine confirmed foraminal narrowing of C5-6 and C6-7 with possible compression of the C6 and C7 nerve roots. Employee filed a lawsuit to pursue third-party personal injury claims against the general contractor, demolition subcontractor and site subcontractor for the construction site where his accident occurred. The workers’ comp claim settled for $350,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settled at mediation with all defendants for $450,000. In addition to the workers’ comp and third-party claims, Employee successfully filed for SSDI benefits.

Carpenter foreman slipped and fell on ice at construction site. Client injured his lower back and suffered a herniated disc at L4-5 with impingement requiring surgery. Settled workers’ comp claim for $200,000 and third-party claim against general contractor for $456,000.

Machinist working in metal stamping and metal forming factory suffered a horrific, lifechanging injury to his right dominant hand while operating an industrial band saw with an unguarded saw blade. Employee suffered traumatic lacerations, open fractures to all five fingers and partial amputation of the thumb. Employee developed a severe infection requiring the surgical amputation of his right thumb. Employee later underwent a surgical amputation of his index finger and surgical reattachment of the index finger in place of his thumb. Tragically, Employee was born with a birth defect to his left arm and hand. In addition to settling his workers’ compensation claim, Employee was awarded SSDI benefits.

Pedestrian was crossing a public street in the crosswalk when he was hit by a car. Pedestrian sustained severe and permanent injuries including compound fractured to the right lower leg, compartment syndrome of the right leg, right knee injury and closed head injury. Pedestrian was hospitalized and underwent multiple surgeries. Case settled for a total amount of $545,000.

Pedestrian was crossing street in crosswalk when hit by car. Elderly driver never applied brakes. Force of the impact hurled pedestrian onto the front lawn of a nearby house. Pedestrian suffered multiple life-threatening injuries including concussion, closed head trauma with laceration requiring staples, T3 vertebral body fracture, L4 bilaterally and L5 left transverse process fractures, T4 rib head fracture, right superior and left inferior pubic ramus, highly comminuted and displaced proximal left femur fracture, right thigh 30-40 cm laceration, fracture to the left and right sacrum with right S1 joint diastasis, left thigh hematoma, comminuted displaced fractures of the distal right tibia and fibula diaphysis extending into the second carpometacarpal joint and left heel laceration. Police investigated the accident, took extensive photographs and measurements and determined that the elderly driver was negligent and fully at fault. Pedestrian settled her bodily injury claim and underinsured motorist benefits claim for full policy limits of $500,000 combined for both claims.

Valet attendant at auto dealership fell from ladder and struck head on the ground. Suffered massive skull fracture and traumatic brain injury. Workers comp case settled prior to Hearing for employee’s claim for permanent and total disability benefits.

Specialty painter/plasterer slipped and fell on job site due to foreign substance/debris on the floor. As a result, client suffered a left ankle fracture and herniated lumbar disc. Client underwent an open reduction with internal fixation to repair the fractured ankle. Settled workers’ comp claim for $110,000 and third-party claim against the general contractor and subcontractors for $325,000.

Minor pedestrian was crossing a street in the crosswalk when he was hit by a private bus and sustained serious injuries including degloving injury to the left foot, open 2nd metatarsal fracture of the left, traumatic left foot dorsal and plant wounds, compartment syndrome of the left foot, abrasions to the left leg and hematoma to the left side of the head. In addition, the minor’s mother claimed negligent infliction of emotional distress as she was on scene and saw her son under the bus seconds after the accident. The case settled pre-lawsuit for a total lump sum amount of $400,000. The minor pedestrian’s personal injury claim settled for $385,000 by structured settlement, and the mother’s negligent infliction of emotional distress claim settled for $15,000. The settlement was approved by the Court.

Employee suffered work-related, single car accident in 1977. Employee suffered multiple fractures, traumatic brain injury and was in a coma. Employee had lengthy hospitalizations and
underwent extensive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Employee was awarded permanent and total workers compensation benefits and received yearly COLA increases up through settlement.

Employee was working as a carpenter and operating a radial chop saw when he sustained a severe laceration to his left dominant forearm. The chop saw did not have a blade guard. Employee sustained multiple injuries including laceration left forearm, laceration of the extensor tendon to the left index and middle fingers and acute radial nerve palsy of the left hand. Employee underwent surgery consisting of flexor carpi radialis tendon transfer. Employee sustained an eighteen percent impairment of the left dominant upper extremity. The workers comp claim settled for $220,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settlement for $157,500.

Employee worked as a carpenter and commercial window installer. While removing an old window on a jobsite, the glass shattered causing a severe hand/arm laceration including nerve and tendon laceration. Employee later developed carpal tunnel syndrome and underwent multiple surgeries to his hand and arm.

Employee injured his lower back while lifting a heavy aluminum platform with co-workers. Previously, Employee injured his lower back and underwent back surgery while working for the same employer. Employee received conservative medical treatment for his second back injury. Employee’s medical expert opined that he suffered a permanent exacerbation of his prior underlying back condition and, as a result, was permanently and totally disabled from all work including light, sedentary work. Claim settled prior to a Hearing for permanent and total workers compensation benefits under MGL c. 152, §34A with liability accepted for disc bulges at L3-4 and L4-5, chronic low back pain, exacerbation of prior work-related low back injury status post- surgery.

Working foreman injured his right dominant shoulder while using a jackhammer. MRI confirmed partial-thickness rotator cuff tear. Employee underwent right shoulder arthroscopy to repair the rotator cuff tear. Post-surgery Employee continued to suffer severe, persistent pain in the right shoulder and right upper extremity. Employee’s chronic pain was diagnosed as Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), a serious pain condition also known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy (RSD) and Causalgia. In addition to his physical injuries, Employee also developed anxiety and depression related to severe, constant pain caused by CRPS. Claim was settled at a mediation on a lump sum payment basis with liability accepted for payment of future medical treatment for the above physical and non-physical conditions.

Employee was working as an electrician when he injured his lower back while lifting a heavy PVC pipe. MRI confirmed that Employee sustained a large disc herniation at L5-S1 with S1 nerve root compression. Employee underwent back surgery consisting of an L5-S1 discectomy. Following surgery, Employee continued to experience significant back pain and left-sided sciatica. an EMG confirmed chronic left S1 radiculopathy. The workers comp claim settled for $275,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Pedestrian hit by car while crossing street in marked crosswalk. Suffered comminuted left tibial fracture requiring surgery. Settlement of $250,000 (policy limits) at mediation.

Animal Lab Technician at hospital injured shoulder at work pulling a cart. Employee suffered a rotator cuff tear. Employee underwent multiple shoulder surgeries. Employee developed adhesive capsulitis or frozen shoulder. Workers comp case settled prior to Hearing for employee’s claim for permanent and total disability benefits. In addition, obtained Social Security Disability benefits for injured worker.

Boilermaker fell from elevated height. Suffered left ankle fracture and back injury. Filed a lawsuit against the general contractor for failing to ensure that client was provided with fall protection. Third party claim settled at mediation for $250,000 with waiver of workers’ comp lien of $207,399.49.

Employee was working as a laborer for a bridge contractor. Employee sustained an electric shock injury when he was connecting a mixing bit to an electric drill while standing in an excavated pit that had pools of water from rain. Employee sustained multiple injuries including electric shock injury, rotator cuff tear right shoulder, post-operative adhesive capsulitis right shoulder, back contusion, back and neck sprain, left leg neuropathic pain, memory loss, anxiety and depression and Post-Traumatic Syndrome Disorder (PTSD). Employee underwent surgery to repair the rotator cuff tear. The workers comp claim settled for $240,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Employee was moving a heavy cement mixer when he was caused to fall backwards and landed on a concrete floor striking his head, neck and back. Employee lost consciousness for a brief period of time. Employee sustained multiple injuries including concussion, Post-Concussive Syndrome, Post-Whiplash Syndrome of the cervical spine, lumbosacral sprain and strain with right-sided sciatica, disc herniation at L5-S1 and disc protrusions at L3-4 and L4-5 and aggravation of pre-existing depression and anxiety. Employee’s injuries were treated non-surgically. The workers comp claim settled for $225,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Employee was pushing a linen cart which rolled over his foot and cut his lower leg. Employee was diabetic and developed a severe infection of his left foot necessitating the amputation of all his toe

Carpenter suffered a partial amputation of the left hand while operating an electric saw at work. Client required multiple surgeries. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $200,000.

Pipe fitter twisted his knee while descending stairs on job site. As a result, Employee sustained a torn right medial meniscus. Employee underwent multiple arthroscopic surgeries to repair the torn meniscus. Eventually, Employee underwent a total knee replacement of the right knee. Claim settled prior to a Hearing for permanent and total workers compensation benefits under MGL c. 152, §34A. As part of the settlement, Insurer accepted liability for Employee’s right knee meniscal tear, right knee arthroscopies, aggravation of right knee medial and patellofemoral osteoarthritis and right total knee replacement.

Employee was working as a truck driver when he injured his left knee while exiting the cab of his tractor trailer. MRI confirmed a complex tear of the medical meniscus. Employee underwent left knee arthroscopy. The workers comp claim settled for $185,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Employee was working as a machine operator on a metal cutting machine which required him to do repetitive bending and squeezing with his hands and upper extremity to cut pieces of metal. Employee developed a right wrist sprain, tendinitis and ulnar neuropathy as a result of repetitive trauma to his right wrist as a result of repeatedly bending. twisting and squeezing pieces of metal. Employee ‘s right wrist injury was treated initially with splinting, physical therapy and cortisone injections. Eventually, Employee underwent surgery consisting of right first dorsal compartment release. Employee had a second surgery consisting of ulnar nerve decompression. The workers comp claim settled for $47,000.00 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim settled for $135,000.00.

Elderly passenger in motor vehicle (common carrier) thrown to floor as a result of driver of common carrier making a sharp turn at high speed. Fractured hip requiring hip surgery. Filed a lawsuit and obtained a Court Order for Speedy Trial. Settlement of $175,000.

Employee tripped and fell at work and hit his left knee and aggravated a prior work-related left hip injury. Employee eventually had to undergo a total left hip replacement surgery. Case settled with liability accepted for both the left knee and left hip injury/aggravation and left hip replacement surgery. Employee was also approved for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).

Elderly pedestrian slipped and fell on unnatural accumulation of ice caused by discharge of water coming from nearby house basement onto a public sidewalk. Fractured hip requiring surgery. Settlement of $167,500 at mediation.

Bus Driver injured back pulling a wheel chair bound client up ramp. Multiple herniated discs to lumbar spine. Conservative treatment included epidural steroid injections. Workers comp case settled prior to Hearing. In addition, obtained Social Security Disability benefits for injured worker.

Laborer hit by bucket of excavator while working in sewer trench. Laceration of right arm and artery. Underwent emergency surgery to repair severed artery. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $80,000 plus settlement of third-party claim for $80,000.

Employee was working as a laborer for a roofing contractor when he was caused to fall from a roof and sustained multiple injuries including a left posterior wall acetabulum fracture non-displaced, T6 compression fracture, right wrist and elbow contusions, low back sprain and concussion. Employee was hospitalized and later received out-patient treatment for his injuries which were treated non-surgically. The workers comp claim settled for $50,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. The third-party claim was settled at mediation for $110,000.

Employee injured his lower back and suffered a herniated lumbar disc while lifting at work. Settlement of workers’ comp claim against two insurers for $150,000.

Laborer hit in jaw by debris thrown from window by co-worker. Fractured mandible and neck/back injury. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $150,000.

Motorcycle operator traveling straight on main road collided with a vehicle exiting a parking lot. Driver of the vehicle alleged that the motorcycle operator was speeding and that his view of the oncoming motorcycle was obstructed by trees at the opening of the parking lot. Upon impact, motorcycle operator was thrown onto the hood of the other vehicle and smashed the windshield. Motorcycle operator was wearing a helmet. Motorcycle operator injured his neck. an MRI confirmed significant stenosis at C5-7. Motorcycle operator underwent C5-7 cervical decompression and fusion surgery. a lawsuit was filed against the operator and owner of the other motor vehicle. The case settled at mediation.

Employee injured his back working on a construction jobsite. a Lumbar MRI confirmed multilevel disc herniations at L3-4, L4-5 and L5-S1. After failing conservative treatment, Employee underwent back surgery. Employee’s back injury improved after his surgery, and he was deemed to have permanent partial impairment with a 25-pound lifting restriction.

Employee injured both shoulders while lifting heavy bag of laundry at work. Bilateral rotator cuff tears with surgery to both shoulders. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $140,000.

Rear-seated passenger in vehicle going straight that was hit by another vehicle making a left turn. Passenger sustained a fractured left arm (distal humerus fracture) and underwent open reduction with internal fixation surgery to repair the fracture. Following surgery, passenger received physical therapy. a lawsuit was filed against both drivers alleging that both drivers were negligent. The case settled at mediation.

Employee was entering her employer’s premises through a rear door entrance when she was caused to trip and fall on the metal threshold. As she was falling, Employee reached out with her left non-dominant arm in an attempt to break her fall. Employee sustained significant injuries to her left shoulder and left wrist including left brachial plexus injury, left shoulder dislocation and left wrist closed traumatic subluxation of the distal radioulnar joint. The workers’ compensation claim settled for $125,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Employee was working as a machine operator when his arm got caught in the rollers of the machine as Employee was trying the machine. Employee sustained a crush injury to his right hand and wrist, a labrum tear of the right shoulder and post-traumatic complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) to the right arm. The workers comp claim settled for $125,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Employee was caused to slip and fall on a wet bathroom floor and injured his shoulder and lower back. Employee underwent shoulder and elbow surgery. His lower back injury was treated with physical therapy and epidural steroid injections.

Employee was caused to slip and fall on ice at work while on break in parking lot of employer’s premises. Employee sustained fracture to the right scaphoid (wrist) and cervical and lumbar strain. Fracture required surgery consisting of open reduction, internal fixation and autogenous graft. Employee received physical therapy and occupational therapy. Workers’ comp claim settled for $40,000.00 with liability accepted for future medical treatment. Settled third-party claim against property management company and snow plow contractor for $80,000.00.

Employee was working as truck driver when he fell from the cab of his tractor trailer and injured his left wrist and right knee. The left wrist injury was diagnosed as a sprain/contusion. MRI confirmed a tear of the medial meniscus and posterior horn to the right knee. Employee underwent right knee arthroscopy to repair the torn meniscus. The workers comp claim settled for $120,000.00 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Employee was working as a laborer for a roofing contractor when he was caused to fall from a roof. Employee was wearing a safety harness and safety line. The safety line anchor point failed. Employee fell to the ground and sustained multiple injuries including closed head injury, fractured jaw, fractured right humerus, right radial nerve injury and right shoulder injury. Employee was hospitalized and underwent surgery to wire his jaw shut to treat the fractured jaw. His right arm fracture was treated non-surgically. The workers comp claim settled for $120,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Employee injured her lower back while lifting heavy boxes at work. Lower back injury. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $110,000.

Pedestrian was crossing a public street when he was struck by a vehicle and sustained serious injuries to his right leg including an open fracture. He underwent surgery to repair the fractured leg. The case settled for $100,000.

Employee was working as a painter when he fell from a ladder and injured his lower back. Employee’s low back injury was treated non-surgically with physical therapy, pain and anti-inflammatory medication and epidural injection and blocks. The workers comp settled for $100,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Carpenter fell from elevated height while standing on load of OSB being lifted by Lull forklift. Left femur fracture and multiple fractures of the jaw, face, nose, mouth and teeth. Employee filed claim for Section 28 benefits alleging that accident caused by employer’s serious and willful misconduct. Client recovered from his injuries and was released to return to work. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $100,000.

Client operating car with right of way sustained severe cervical spine injury when another driver attempted to take a left turn causing a collision. Client received conservative medical treatment and physical therapy to treat his neck injury. MRI confirmed a complex disc abnormality at C5-6 that was displacing the exiting nerve root. Client underwent anterior cervical discectomy and fusion at C6-7. Client settled his bodily injury claim for full policy limits of $100,000.

Laundry worker injured wrist while loading washing machine. Left wrist (distal radius) fracture. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $100,000.

Client, who was employed by a staffing agency, slipped and fell on slippery concrete floor and sustained a comminuted distal radius fracture and ligament tear. Client underwent two wrist surgeries to repair the fracture and ligament tear. Third-party claim was settled pre-suit.

School bus driver hit by another vehicle operated by third-party. Lumbar sprain and sciatica. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $75,000 plus settlement of third-party claim for $20,000.

Employee injured his lower back moving a heavy desk at work. MRI confirmed a disc herniation at L4-5. Employee underwent back surgery and received physical therapy post-surgery. Employee settled his workers’ compensation claim with liability accepted for future medical treatment. In addition, employee successfully applied for SSDI benefits.

Driver injured her shoulder when her car was rear-ended by another car. MRI confirmed a torn rotator cuff, and client underwent a shoulder arthroscopy.

While talking to a pedestrian standing on the side of the road with the driver’s door open, the driver of a pick-up truck negligently allowed the truck to roll forward and knock the pedestrian to the ground. As a result, the truck’s rear tire rolled over the pedestrian’s left arm. The pedestrian sustained multiple injuries including a left wrist scaphoid fracture, fractured fingers of the left hand and multiple contusions/abrasions/lacerations. a lawsuit was filed against the operator and owner of the pick-up truck. The case settled at mediation.

Pedestrian was crossing the street in a crosswalk when she was hit by a car and causing her to fall to the ground. Pedestrian suffered multiple injuries including a rotator cuff tear that required surgery.

Truck driver injured lower back while opening heavy garage door. Lumbar sprain/strain. Settlement of workers’ comp claim for $75,000.

Client hit by another vehicle that ran a red light. Facial contusion and knee sprain with plica requiring surgery. Defendant stipulated to liability when plaintiff moved for partial summary judgment on liability. Jury trial on damages only. Jury Verdict of $60,000 which was appealed with subsequent settlement of $77,500.

Employee injured his right elbow while lifting a large piece of particle board at work. After received conservative medical treatment, employee eventually underwent right elbow surgery consisting of right lateral epicondylectomy with debridement and reattachment of the common extensor origin. Employee settled his workers’ compensation claim for $70,000 with liability accepted for future medical treatment.

Motorcycle operator was hit by car making an illegal U-Turn causing motorcycle operator to be thrown from motorcycle and hit knee on ground. MRI confirmed a torn meniscus. Motorcycle operator treated conservatively including physical therapy and opted not to have knee surgery. Case settled.

Client was walking her small dog in her neighborhood when her dog was attached and bitten by a very large German Shepard mix dog that broke away from a young boy who was unable to control the dog. Client to save her small dog and, in the process, suffered severe bite wounds to her right dominant hand. She sought medical treatment for five puncture wounds to her hand as a result of the dog bite. Her treating hand surgeon was concerned that client may develop flexor tenosynovitis and septic infection. Client was prescribed antibiotics immediately as a precaution and, ultimately, underwent hand surgery and was hospitalized for two nights with a course of IV antibiotics to treat her infection. Client was later diagnosed with polyneuropathy. Client suffered permanent impairment with reduced range of motion and function as a result of flexor tendon sheath damage. The case settled for $32,000.00.