GWC attorney Cassandra R. Shashaty has obtained a settlement for a union bricklayer worth over $250,000.00 – more than ten times the original offer.
Bricklayer Suffers Permanent Injuries
GWC’s client was a journeyman bricklayer and a proud member of Local 74 for many years. In October 2019, he was working on an elevated scaffold at a job site in Oak Lawn when it fell from suspension.
During the fall, the bricklayer’s right foot became stuck in the scaffold. His doctor diagnosed him with a traumatic plantar fascia rupture, for which he underwent physical therapy. He was later released from treatment with permanent restrictions that prevented him from performing the duties of his job.
Insurance Company Challenges Restrictions
The insurance company for the employer challenged this prognosis. Drawing upon its own doctor’s opinion that the bricklayer did not suffer from any permanent restrictions, the carrier extended an offer to settle the claim for $25,000.00.
“This number was highly inadequate, to say the least,” said Ms. Shashaty. “Because of his medical restrictions, our client would be unable to continue his work as a bricklayer, which would significantly impact his future earning potential.”
GWC Obtains Significant Wage Differential Settlement
GWC conducted multiple pre-trials in response to this low settlement offer. Based upon the evidence and testimony Ms. Shashaty gathered and the arguments she presented, the Arbitrator was more persuaded by the client’s treating physician, who implemented permanent restrictions, than by the insurance carrier’s doctor, who did not.
Ultimately, GWC’s workers’ compensation attorneys obtained a wage differential settlement of $250,000.00, which reflected the fact that the client had to secure new employment earning less money than he did as a bricklayer. Additionally, Ms. Shashaty secured $12,443.00 in disputed Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments, for a total settlement worth $262,443.00 – more than ten times the insurance company’s original offer.
Fighting for Workers for Over Four Decades
Workers in Illinois may be entitled to certain benefits under the law when they are hurt on the job. Nevertheless, they frequently find themselves faced with obstructions from insurance carriers and employers who do not wish to provide these benefits. When this happens, claimants often seek out the assistance of the knowledgeable workers’ compensation attorneys at GWC Injury Lawyers LLC.
With more than $2 billion recovered in verdicts and settlements, GWC is one of the premier Workers’ Compensation and Personal Injury law firms in Illinois. For over four decades, we have been fighting for workers in practically every profession who have been injured in nearly every type of circumstance. Our dedicated workers’ compensation attorneys have the experience, the determination, the resources, and the reputation of success necessary to help you and your family get the justice you deserve.
If you have been hurt in the workplace, contact GWC today to schedule a free, no-obligation case evaluation with a workers’ compensation attorney. You may call our office at (312) 464-1234 or click here to chat with a representative at any time.
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