Twice Injured in the Food Production Industry
The client, a 42-year-old worker in Chicago’s food production industry, faced a devastating series of events. In December 2020, she suffered a foot injury when a box fell on her left foot. Only five months later, in May 2021, a second accident occurred when she slipped and fell, causing severe damage to her spine and shoulders.
The physical toll was immense. The plaintiff required a complex cervical fusion surgery at the C4-5 and C5-6 levels to stabilize her spine. She also struggled with degenerative disease in her left foot, as well as injuries to her lumbar spine and both shoulders.
Navigating Medical Disputes and Denials
Securing compensation was far from straightforward. The employer and insurance carrier raised several significant obstacles to avoid responsibility:
- Causality Disputes: The insurance company argued that the degenerative disease in her foot was not caused by the workplace accident.
- Independent Medical Exams (IME): The carrier forced the client to undergo an IME to downplay the severity of her condition.
- Benefit Denials: There were initial refusals to cover all medical expenses and disputes regarding Temporary Total Disability (TTD) payments.
These tactics are common “waiting games” played by insurance companies to pressure injured workers into smaller settlements. However, our firm stood firm against these pressures.
Turning Strategy Into Justice
Led by Jack Epstein, with 30 years of experience in the Illinois legal market, our firm implemented a comprehensive strategy to counter the insurance company’s narrative.
We filed formal claims with the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission for both accidents. Our team meticulously negotiated medical payments and disability benefits, ensuring the cervical fusion and shoulder treatments were recognized. By participating in the IME process with a prepared strategy, we were able to turn the administrative process into a path toward a global resolution.
A $130,000 Result That Restored Stability
In October 2023, the case reached a successful conclusion with a $130,000 total settlement. The agreement was strategically structured to protect the client:
- $125,000 was allocated for disputed wage loss.
- $5,000 was secured for the disputed foot injury expenses.
- $4,252.86 was directed to specific medical providers to clear her debt.
- The client received a net amount of $99,397.14 after all legal fees and medical costs were cleared.
The Commission approved the settlement, definitively closing the file and ensuring all medical providers were addressed.
Proven Experience in Every Illinois Case
- “Jack Epstein, with 30 years of experience in the Illinois legal market, personally oversaw the case.”
- “The client paid nothing until we won the case.”
A Victory Against the Odds
Two accidents shouldn’t mean double the suffering. This case proves that even when an insurance company tries to blame “degenerative disease” or disputes your surgery, the truth can prevail. By combining the claims for her foot and her spine into one powerful legal action, we ensured the client walked away with nearly $100,000 in her pocket and her medical bills behind her.
