Results
Exceptional Advocacy Leads to Indemnification Win
We were successful in having a motion for indemnification granted. Our client’s subcontractor did not secure workers’ compensation coverage as required by the statute. Therefore, our client—the contractor—became the statutory employer and accepted the claim as compensable, providing medical and indemnity benefits and reaching a settlement compromise with the injured worker. We filed a motion for indemnification, requesting that the subcontractor be ordered to reimburse our client for all monies paid on the claim. After an evidentiary hearing was held, where we presented evidence and called the vice president of claims to testify, the judge of compensation claims granted our motion.
Successfully Contested Claimant’s Request for Authorization for a Van with a Wheelchair Lift, Arguing Its Medical Necessity
We successfully contested a claimant’s request for authorization for a van equipped with a wheelchair lift, arguing it was not a medical necessity following a work-related injury. Testimony revealed the claimant’s significant mobility challenges were due to a work-related traumatic brain injury and spastic hemiplegia. However, the employer/carrier contested the request, asserting it was neither reasonable nor medically necessary based on the authorized treating physician’s assessment. Ultimately, the judge of compensation claims found the claimant did not meet the burden of proof to establish the necessity of the van, siding with the employer/carrier’s argument, and denied the authorization request along with the claims for attorney’s fees and costs.
Settlement Agreements Upheld in Florida Workers’ Compensation Cases
We successfully argued that a settlement agreement, based upon a binding and enforceable agreement reached via email between the parties, is enforced. The claimant had given her attorney authority to settle, but subsequently changed her mind. Based upon case law, there was unequivocal authority to settle and it was too late for the claimant to negate the agreement previously reached. The judge of compensation claims agreed and upheld the settlement. In another matter, we filed a motion to enforce a settlement agreement reached by the parties at mediation, which the judge of compensation claims granted. Despite attending mediation, reaching an agreement and having a mediation report drafted, the claimant did not sign the agreement. He then terminated the services of his attorney and retained new counsel. At the hearing held before the judge, Linda called the claimant’s former attorney as a witness and also conducted a direct examination of the claimant. Ultimately, the judge found that the claimant had agreed to settle and changed his mind later. Therefore, the settlement agreement was enforced.
Successful Defense of PTD Benefits and More in Florida.
We successfully defended a petition for permanent total disability benefits, supplemental benefits and penalties, interest, costs and attorneys fees. The judge entered a Final Compensation Order, finding the claimant was not permanently and totally disabled despite a substantial, but not exhaustive, job search. The judge found the claimant’s job search was not sufficient or reasonable in light of the totality of the circumstances, including her physical impairment, age, employment history, training, education, motivation, work experience, work record, and diligence to establish entitlement to permanent and total disability benefits. The judge held the testimony of the employer/carrier’s vocational experts was persuasive in his decision to deny PTD benefits, finding the claimant was employable with the assistance of vocational counseling.
Defense Verdict in Final Compensation Order
The order involved multiple petitions filed by a pro se claimant for compensability of contact dermatitis and concrete burns allegedly sustained while working. The judge ruled in favor of the employer on all petitions, finding compensability was previously resolved and the ongoing issues were moot. The judge denied and dismissed, with prejudice, claims for temporary total and temporary partial disability benefits, authorization of medical care, and all corresponding penalties and interest. Most significantly, the judge granted the employer's defense of medical non-compliance from March 21, 2017, present and found that the claimant required no further treatment for his work-related injury. The employer can recover taxable costs against the claimant pursuant to Florida Statute 440.34 as the prevailing party on all petitions.
Successful Defense of Petition for Permanent Total Disability Benefits and More
Successfully defended a petition for permanent total disability benefits, supplemental benefits and penalties, interest, costs and attorneys fees. The judge entered a Final Compensation Order, finding the claimant was not permanently and totally disabled despite a substantial, but not exhaustive, job search. The judge found the claimant’s job search was not sufficient or reasonable in light of the totality of the circumstances, including her physical impairment, age, employment history, training, education, motivation, work experience, work record, and diligence to establish entitlement to permanent and total disability benefits. The judge held the testimony of the employer/carrier’s vocational experts were persuasive in his decision to deny permenant total disability benefits, finding the claimant was employable with the assistance of vocational counseling.
