The Incident: An Emergency during the Evening Shift
In August 2019, around 7:00 PM, the client was operating an industrial paper shredder in Chicago, IL. When she attempted to clear a jam, the machine failed to stop completely, trapping her left hand.
The medical impact was catastrophic:
- Traumatic Amputations: Loss of the index, middle, and ring fingers of her left hand.
- Emergency Surgeries: Surgeons managed to reattach her ring finger, but the index and middle fingers required permanent surgical revisions.
- Late Complications: Due to the trauma and compensatory use of her hands, the client developed bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome (in both hands), along with a comminuted fracture in her index finger.
The Obstacles: Beyond Physical Scars
The road to justice for the client was filled with medical and legal challenges. As a temporary service worker, the compensation process can be even more complex.
Key challenges included:
- Prolonged Rehabilitation: A need for multiple reconstructive surgeries, as well as intensive physical and occupational therapy.
- Emotional Impact: The accident was so traumatic that the client required psychological support to deal with the aftermath of the injury.
- Permanent Limitations: Although she bravely returned to work, she did so under severe medical restrictions, facing a permanent decrease in her ability to perform basic daily activities.
Legal Strategy: Maximizing Statutory Compensation
Under the direction of Jack Epstein, with 30 years of experience in the Illinois legal market, our firm implemented a comprehensive strategy to ensure no damage went uncompensated.
Our key interventions included:
- Statutory Loss of Member Payments: We first secured the mandatory payment for the physical loss of her fingers, totaling $46,468.89.
- TTD (Temporary Total Disability) Management: We ensured she received her weekly payments while incapacitated, allowing her to focus on recovery without immediate financial pressure.
- Global Settlement Negotiation: We achieved an additional settlement for Permanent Partial Disability to cover the development of carpal tunnel syndrome and lifelong functional limitations, bringing the total settlement to $100,000.00.
A $100,000 Result for a New Beginning
The case concluded in 2024 with approval from an Arbitrator of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Commission. the client received a net payment of $79,815.00 (after fees and costs), a figure that provides financial stability after years of medical struggle.
The Financial Breakdown:
- Total Global Settlement: $100,000.00
- Previous Statutory Payments: Included in negotiations to protect her rights.
- Medical Benefits: Full coverage of reconstructive surgeries and therapies.
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.”
The Final Word: Your Safety is Your Right
A poorly maintained machine or a lack of training should not be your burden to carry. the client proved that with the right representation, Latino workers in Chicago can stand up to large companies and win. By securing $100,000 and covering her reconstructive surgeries, we ensured the client did not have to face the consequences of this serious accident alone.
