Work Comp: When $300,000 for an Unoperated Shoulder Case isn’t Enough/Lesion Laboral: Cuando $300,000 por un caso de hombro no operado no es suficiente

Recently we had a case go to trial (we won) and then appeal (we won again).  The defense offered us $300,000.00 to settle.  We said no.  The reason is that my client still needs shoulder surgery.  Sure, he could have surgery under his group insurance since the work comp people are still denying liability.  But, here is why we wont let him settle.  First, they owe him over $100k in back pay (which they have now agreed to pay).  More importantly, we don’t know how he will do after surgery.  If he goes right back to work then his case settles for whatever it’s worth and we might get less than the $300k.  But, if he can’t go back to that job, he is screwed, even if he has $200k in cash in pocket.  He currently makes close to $2,000 a week.  He is only about 38 years old.  If he is knocked out of his job and takes a lesser paying job then the wage loss will be hovering around $1 million dollars and the present cash value to settle his case will be more like $600,000 or more.  That said, I would rather he heal well, go back to work and the case have less value…but he will make more money working and his shoulder will be fixed.  That’s the goal and that’s the balance a good and caring lawyer has to worry about.  Don’t always take the fast money.  Worry about the rest of your life.

If you want a lawyer firm that cares about what happens to you after the case is over then call Keith Short and Associates, Trial Lawyers at 618-655-9499 or see us at www.siltrial.com