Case Snapshot
At a Glance
| Type of Accident | Side loader truck rollover |
|---|---|
| Worker’s Occupation | Driver |
| Injuries Sustained | Right leg fractures, nasal fracture, mouth injuries, fractured cheekbone; multiple surgeries with hardware implantation |
| Carrier’s Position | Dispute over scope of surgical treatment and ongoing rehabilitation |
| Key Benefits Recovered | Medical benefits for surgical procedures, hardware implantation, ongoing treatment, and lost wages |
| Settlement Amount | $587,000 |
| Applicable Statutes | § 440.13 (medical benefits) · § 440.20(1) (settlement) |
| Handling Attorney | Stephen Berlin, Esq. |
The Accident
While operating a side loader truck as part of his job duties, our client was injured when the vehicle rolled. The rollover caused catastrophic trauma across multiple body systems. Our client suffered fractures to his right leg requiring surgical repair and fixation with hardware, a fractured cheekbone, nasal fractures, and injuries to his mouth and teeth. The severity and multiplicity of his injuries required a complex course of surgical treatment and rehabilitation.
The Medical Course
The injuries sustained in the rollover required immediate surgical intervention. Our client underwent multiple surgical procedures, including orthopedic surgeries to stabilize and repair his right leg with hardware implantation. Reconstructive procedures addressed his facial injuries. The recovery process involved not only the initial surgeries but ongoing physical therapy, rehabilitation, pain management, and specialist care to address the various injury sites.
The Dispute
The workers’ compensation carrier disputed the scope of treatment our client needed and was entitled to receive. Questions arose about the necessity of certain procedures, the duration of rehabilitation, and the appropriateness of continued medical intervention. These disputes created uncertainty at a critical time when our client needed to focus entirely on healing.
The Settlement
Stephen Berlin negotiated a settlement of $587,000 that resolved all disputed claims and provided our client with the financial foundation for his recovery. The settlement covered all medical treatment and procedures that were medically necessary as a result of the truck rollover, including the multiple surgeries, hardware implantation, reconstructive procedures, and ongoing rehabilitation care.
What This Meant for Our Client
The settlement eliminated the financial obstacle that had been placed between our client and his recovery. Without the constant battle over whether the next procedure would be authorized, whether the next round of therapy would be covered, our client could pursue the medical treatment he needed. The settlement funds allowed our client to access the surgeons, specialists, and rehabilitation services necessary to recover as much function as possible from the multiple serious injuries he sustained.
Key Takeaway
When a workplace accident causes serious injuries affecting multiple body systems and requiring complex surgical intervention, the carrier’s initial resistance to treatment is nearly certain. Early legal representation can eliminate the delays and disputes that interfere with recovery. If you have suffered a serious workplace injury in Florida, do not delay in securing legal advice.
Hurt at Work? Talk to Berlin Law Firm
If you have suffered a workplace injury in Florida, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. The initial steps in your claim can significantly impact what your case is worth.
Call (941) 777-7000 for a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover benefits for you.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every workers’ compensation case is unique and evaluated on its own facts, including the type and severity of injury, the worker’s age and pre-injury wages, the carrier’s defenses, the medical evidence available, and the applicable law. The settlement described above reflects circumstances specific to this client’s case and does not constitute a promise or guarantee of results in any other case.
