Orlando Workers’ Compensation Cases

Trial Award Permanent Total Disability

Settlement L Shoulder, R Index Finger, R Ankle & Sacrum

Settlement L Hand & Bilateral Knees

Settlement R Leg, L Elbow, Head

Settlement Head Trauma

Settlement L Hand

Settlement Shoulder and Cervical Spine

Settlement Injuries L Hand, R Shoulder, Back Strain & Head Trauma

Settlement Injuries L Knee & L Foot

Settlement Injuries Back & Bilateral Knees.

After litigating for 2 plus years, during which VLG secured home repair/attendant care benefits, this gentleman received a $5M settlement of his claim. The worker had received an electrical shock causing a brain injury that led to his need for 24-hour professional supervision and a court-appointed guardian. The settlement included $200,000 in cash, an annuity that pays approx. $150,000 to cover future accident-related medical needs and a second annuity that pays $24,000/month for life but 15 years guaranteed. After the $150,000 in the medical annuity is used up this gentleman can have Medicare pay for all future medical expenses.

Right shoulder and arm injuries.

Settlement of client’s future medical exposure. The indemnity (money) part of this case previously settled for $300,000.00 in 2016.

Lady with shoulder rotator cuff injury. Total reverse shoulder arthroplasty was prescribed. Due to an unrelated heart condition she was not able to pursue that procedure. Case settled prior to a trial for permanent total disability.

After litigating to secure authorization of surgery for a shoulder injury, the insurance company paid this gentleman $110,750 at a private mediation.

Following extensive litigation, and prior to trial for permanent total disability, the insurance company paid $394,310 to resolve the case.

68 year-old gentleman for whom VLG obtained permanent total disability benefits. After receiving these bi-weekly checks for some time, this injured worker decided to settle the rest of his case and secured an $85,000 settlement at a private mediation.

Lower extremity and low back injuries. Client was able to keep working but decided to settle his right to future benefits for $90,000.

This workers compensation client injured a knee and shoulder (for which he had surgery that VLG litigated to obtain). At mediation, even though he was working full time, VLG secured a $140,000 settlement.

Client fell off ladder while picking oranges and sustained back and knee injuries. Claim was made for permanent total disability and transfer of medical care to client’s home in Mexico. After litigation, the case settled, and client has been released by doctor to return to work.

While pulling ladder, client felt a pop in shoulder and sustained a rotator cuff tear to his dominant arm. After litigation and at mediation the case settled. Client has been released to return to work with restrictions.

After shoulder surgery that was paid for by the work comp insurance company, the case settled, and the client was able to return to work.

This settlement was in addition to approximately $1,000,000 of prior-paid benefits provided to client before settlement was reached for a below-knee amputation. Case settled during litigation. Client continued to work for the employer.

This settlement was in addition to approximately $1,000,000 of prior-paid benefits provided to client before settlement was reached for a below-knee amputation. Case settled during litigation. Client continued to work for the employer.

Semi-truck hit client’s truck leading to shoulder injury. Case settled following litigation and client able to return to work.

Client went to trial with Vaughan Law Group and judge found in his favor and ordered insurance company to pay work comp until age 75. Medical benefits are continuing in addition to the permanent total disability payments above (not reduced to present value)

53-year-old mechanic suffered from carpal tunnel in both hands/wrists and sustained right elbow injuries due to repetitive trauma from years of repairing welding machines. After being denied compensability of his claim, and after extensive litigation, Vaughan Law Group negotiated a settlement for $120,000. As a veteran, he will be able to seek additional medical treatment through the VA.

A former deputy sheriff developed cardiac complications as a result of his duties as a law enforcement officer. Under Florida’s statutory presumption laws, the injured worker was presumed to have a compensable injury. He has continually been treating for his cardiac complications since 2006. After extensive litigation over responsibility for the removal of his pacemaker, Vaughan Law Group negotiated a settlement for $400,000.

A masonry worker was laying masonry blocks on a scaffolding 13 feet in the air. He fell from the scaffolding and suffered injuries to his neck, face, back, wrist and shoulders. He treated with an orthopedic specialist, mainly receiving injections and participating in physical therapy. Vaughan Law Group negotiated a settlement for $80,000.

A 60-year-old worker sustained torn bilateral rotator cuffs while carrying a desk, slipping on carpet. The injured worker received extensive orthopedic treatment, which resulted in a referral for surgery. In fear of the worker being adjudicated permanently and totally disabled had the surgery occurred, the insurance company agreed to settle out the claim for $249,000.

A 44-year-old iron worker sustained a shoulder injury when his coworker dropped his end of a sheet of metal, which was to be laid on the roof of a building. The claimant took the insurance company to trial, when the insurance company refused to pick up the claim, and won. The injured worker later developed neck and back problems 6 months after the accident, for which the insurance company also refused to authorize treatment for. The insurance company ultimately agreed to settle the claim for $137,500 in anticipation of losing at trial.

A then-50 year old worker (now 70) was hosing the deck of a home when he mis-stepped, twisting his back and falling off the deck of the home. He was quickly determined to be permanently and totally disabled by doctors and has been receiving medical and indemnity benefits for the past 20 years. The insurance company finally agreed to settle the claim for $275,000, even though he is now 70 years old.

A 60-year-old worker sustained a lower back injury moving metal framing materials that weighed approximately 30-50lbs. After successfully litigating the compensability of the accident, the insurance company voluntarily accepted the claimant as permanently and totally disabled. Vaughan Law Group secured a settlement of $240,000 over and above the tens-of-thousands of dollars that the insurance company paid in medical care and indemnity prior to settlement.

The 60-year-old employee fell through the roof of a warehouse and injured his right shoulder, right arm, and neck. After years of medical treatment and litigation, Vaughan Law Group secured a settlement of $100,000 and the client is still employed.

The 50-year old injured worker sustained a lower back injury after spending 3-4 hours unloading a truck. He received multiple injections and surgery to his lower back. The insurance company refused to provide job searching assistance and agreed to settle out his claim for $140,000 to avoid risking having the judge adjudicate the claimant as permanently and totally disabled.    This gentlemen was able to secure another job after the case settled.

While doing demolition work, the worker fell off of a ladder injuring his back and right knee. After refusing to accept the claim, both the sub-contractor and the original contractor caved and the case settled for $99,000 for medical and lost wage benefits.

A 60-year-old worker sustained a right-hand injury that lead to the removal of three bones in the claimant’s wrist. He was assigned permanent work restrictions, after which the employer refused to give the employee work. Vaughan Law Group requested job searching assistance from W/C, but they refused to help. The judge found that the client had put forth a good-faith and unsuccessful job search and was therefore entitled to an award of Permanent and Total Disability. He will receive his biweekly work comp checks until age 75 with 5% cost-of-living increases every year or he may choose to settle his case. He will also get to continue treating with his doctors which will be paid for by workers compensation.

In order to avoid being adjudicated permanently and totally disabled, the workers compensation insurance company agreed to settle this claim for $221,000. The 52-year-old worker was standing on a commercial painting booth when it collapsed, and he fell to the concrete floor, sustaining a left ankle injury.

In order to avoid being adjudicated permanently and totally disabled, the workers compensation insurance company agreed to settle this claim for $112,500. The 54-year-old worker had sustained a left shoulder injury after being electrocuted when unplugging a wax cleaning machine.

A 56-year old worker suffered a left shoulder injury while lifting a 75 lb. masonry block overhead. Vaughan Law Group was able to secure a $338,000 settlement after the W/C insurance company had already paid out approximately over $100,000 to the client.

A 59-year-old food service worker sustained a right shoulder injury that lead to arthroscopic surgery. The employer would not take her back to work after being released by her doctor and being assigned permanent work restrictions. Vaughan Law Group requested job searching assistance from W/C but they refused to help. The judge found that the client had put forth a good-faith job search and was entitled to an award of Permanent and Total Disability. She will receive this money ($400,000) until age 75 with 5% cost-of-living increases every year. She will also get to continue treating with her doctors which will be paid for by workers compensation, valued at approximately another $100,000.

Client severely injured his right leg. The Employer refused to take him back to work but sent him to do volunteer work at a charitable facility. While there, the Client engaged in alleged inappropriate conversations with co-workers and was fired. The W/C insurance company denied any further benefits and claimed ‘misconduct.’ After lengthy litigation, the judge ruled for our client.

A 51-year old worker suffered a right knee injury after tripping on a scaffolding. Vaughan Law Group was able to secure a $100,000 settlement after the W/C insurance company had already paid out $60,000 in benefits.

In order to avoid being adjudicated permanently and totally disabled, the workers compensation insurance company agreed to settle this claim for $99,000. The 55-year-old worker had sustained a right wrist injury after a slip and fall incident.

After litigating the case for more than a decade, Vaughan Law Group secured a $395,000 settlement for a 51-year-old who acquired a cervical spine and upper extremity injury while transferring a patient onto a bed. She had previously been awarded permanent total disability after a trial wherein she was represented by Vaughan Law Group. The workers’ compensation carrier payed out over $500,000 in benefits before this settlement.

Vaughan Law Group secured a $215,000 settlement for an undocumented Mexican worker who sustained hand, neurological, and psychiatric injuries which were caused from being electrocuted while fixing a machine that presses truss. Attorney Thomas Vaughan was able to get authorization of transfer of medical treatment to Mexico, where the worker now resides.

After a significant period of litigation, Vaughan Law Group secured a $342,000 settlement for a 56 year old who acquired a serious foot injury after falling approximately 21 feet through a skylight from the top of a roof. He had been released by his treating physician with a 33% impairment rating and had been seen by six different doctors. Vaughan Law Group had previously secured approximately $500,000 of benefits prior to settlement.

After litigating the compensability of this injured worker’s case (injured lower back while lifting a header on a scaffold) the Workers’ Comp insurance company paid for all past medical care and began paying disability benefits. Prior to this settlement, the workers compensation insurance company had already paid out $55,000 in benefits. At mediation the insurance company agreed to settle and pay an additional $215,000 to settle the case.

A 50 year-old baker sustained a low-back injury that lead to surgery (a fusion with instrumentation). She was released by her doctor with a 12% impairment rating and 20 pound lifting restrictions. The employer would not take her back to work and, after 1 year, the employer terminated her. Vaughan Law Group requested job-placement assistance from workers comp but they refused to help. At trial the exhibit that evidenced over 300 job-searches by the client was provided to the judge. The judge found that the client had put forth a good-faith job search and was entitled to an award of Permanent and Total Disability. She will receive this money until age 75 with 5% cost-of-living increases every year. She will also get to continue treating with her doctors which will be paid for by workers compensation.

Vaughan Law Group secured a $610,000 settlement in a combination of cash and annuity for this client’s cervical back injury that was further complicated by a surgical procedure. Attorney Thomas Vaughan had previously prevailed on the issue of permanent total disability on this Orlando Workers Compensation case.

2018 – Vaughan Law Group secured a $500,000 settlement for a young man with a neurological condition sustained as a result of a fall at his employer’s supermarket.

Vaughan Law Group secured a $200,000 settlement for an undocumented Mexican worker who sustained a foot crush injury while working as a lettuce-picker in the fields near Lake Okeechobee. The workers compensation case was set for trial for permanent total disability and attorney Thomas Vaughan had successfully taken multiple medical and lay depositions.

The trial in this matter was to determine whether the injured worker should have his Workers’ Compensation claim handled out of Florida’s jurisdiction or Wisconsin’s jurisdiction. The client was a truck driver who signed his contract of employment with his employer in Wisconsin. The Wisconsin employer wanted his accident and injuries to be handled under Wisconsin law. The Orlando injured worker wanted to have the benefits of his claim under Florida law.

When all of the evidence was heard, the Judge of Compensation Claims found that even though the contract of hire was in Wisconsin, the Orlando injured worker’s principle location of employment was in Florida.

This was because of several factors. The most important factor was that the injured worker was required to start and finish his trips from the Employer’s home terminal in Florida. He was also required to return to his home terminal in Florida after each trip with a load of merchandise. So, even though 80%- 90% of this Orlando Workers’ Compensation injured worker’s trips were outside of the State of Florida, the principle location of his employment was Florida.

The injured Employee was awarded the right to have his benefits litigated in Florida. He sustained severe back injuries and will require a lot of medical care.

After a lengthy period of litigation, including multiple depositions and mediations, this case went to trial in November. The insurance carrier for the Employer denied ALL benefits (both money and medical) because they claimed that the client had committed fraud by denying prior medical conditions. The client had treated with the VA during the months and years before the accident and those records indicated that he had complained of the same symptoms that he later suffered from in his work accident. There were also prior chiropractic records that cast doubt on the client’s previous medical history. However, when the records were reviewed in detail along with the client’s testimony at trial, the Judge found that the client never falsified any information for the purpose of securing workers compensation benefits. The client now receives his continuing medical care (which may include multiple future surgeries) as well as the ability to continue to collect his money benefits.

The injured worker tripped over loose bricks on the path between her assigned parking spot off-premises and the library at which she worked. She was on her way in to begin her day. The injured employee had planned on dropping off some items, checking her computer for the day’s itinerary and then leaving to go on a personal walk. The Employer/library, and their insurance company, took the position that she should not be covered by workers comp. The worker’s attorneys successfully convinced the Judge that coverage was appropriate because the worker injured by a hazard on the direct route into the office and she had the intent to start work duties immediately upon entering the office. This lady now has complete coverage for all future lost wages and all of her related medical care.

A 58 year old A/C technician fell off of a loading dock approximately 6 feet and landed on his back and buttocks. He herniated a disk at the L3 4 level with severe radicular pain. The initial orthopedic doctor referred him to pain management and subsequently Vaughan Law Group was able to obtain a one-time change of doctors to a pain management doctor of our choice. After being terminated by the Employer, and after receiving a maximal medical improvement date with severe restrictions and limitations from the authorized physician, the injured worker job searched unsuccessfully. The injured worker was referred for vocational assistance. Unfortunately no jobs where located for him.

The case was heavily litigated and after multiple depositions, and five days before trial, the Employer and its insurance company caved in and agreed to an order by the judge of compensation claims finding the client to be permanently and totally disabled.

This gentleman’s medical care will continue until such time as he decides to settle his case with the insurance company. In the meantime he will receive two thirds of his wages until age 75 plus a 5% increase each year for cost of living adjustment.

This Orlando Workers’ Compensation case involved a case worker for a local law enforcement agency. This lady injured her spine while carrying out her duties. She came under the care of a doctor picked by the Workers’ Compensation insurance company who became very dismissive of this ladies complaints. Through Workers’ Compensation attorney, Vaughan Law Group, the Client exercised her statutory right to a one-time change of doctors. The employer and their insurance company did not timely respond to that request thereby giving the client the right to choose a doctor herself. The employer and the insurance company fought this lady through numerous depositions, mediation, and trial in an attempt to retain control over her medical care. After trial, the Judge of Compensation Claims ordered the Employer and their insurance company to provide the physician that the client chose. The value of this benefit is undetermined as of this date because future medical care may entail surgical procedures, time off of work and other medical modalities.

Client is a 54 year old relatively illiterate worker. He sustained a low back injury and when released to go back to work with restrictions the Employer sent him to do volunteer work at a few local agencies. Eventually restrictions were decreased and the Employer, at the behest of the Workers’ Compensation insurance company, took him back to work. However the “work” was determined by the Judge of Compensation Claims to be sheltered employment. That means that the job was not a real job that would be open to an individual who applies through the open labor market. The employee was allowed to come and go as he pleased, work whatever hours he wished, work unsupervised, and basically do almost no physical activities during the work day. No other employees were afforded this luxury. Consequently, the Judge found this employment to be sheltered and awarded Permanent Total Disability benefits accordingly.

In addition to denying this employee permanent total disability payments, the Employer attempted to prove that the Employee had committed fraud by accepting money from a roommate. The Judge of Compensation Claims did not believe that the Employee committed any fraud with the intent of receiving Workers’ Compensation benefits. As such, this Employee’s award will not only include permanent total disability payments but will also include all of his related medical care into the future.

This Orlando venue case involves a 47 year old welder who suffered a herniated disc in the neck and underwent a laminectomy and fusion. Following the surgical procedure and a period of recuperation, this client returned to his employer and continued to work for seven years. Unfortunately, the employer terminated this client when the doctor increased his restrictions. Upon termination the client began looking high and low for work but, after over 350 job searches, he was unable to become employed. This Claim for Permanent Total Disability followed. Vocational experts for each side disagreed as to whether this gentleman would be employable in the open labor market. Ultimately, less than two weeks prior to trial, the Workers’ Comp insurance company and Employer paid this Client $300,000 to only settle his indemnity (money) portion of his case. This gentleman still has his medical care open and can obtain free medical treatment through the Workers’ Compensation insurance company for the rest of his life as it relates to his neck injury.

2016 – This Volusia County bus driver, with a significant pre-existing knee injury that had required major surgery, reinjured the same knee while entering her bus to begin her work day. Workers’ Compensation authorized medical treatment for this accident that occurred in December 2014. The injured worker continued to receive authorized medical treatment for this aggravation of the pre-existing knee injury up until the trial that occurred in February 2016. During this period of treatment, the employer terminated the injured worker and she proceeded to thoroughly job search throughout the central portion of the state. She obtained no employment through both her own efforts and with assistance from a vocational specialist.

At trial the employer tried to blame the injured workers’ inability to obtain employment on the pre-existing knee injury combined with the testimony of the insurance company’s doctor who testified that any restrictions on work activities were related to the pre-existing knee condition and not to the current work accident. However, the Judge of Compensation Claims found that the employer did not timely deny benefits within 120 days of when they knew, or should have known, that there was a potential issue regarding the pre-existing knee condition. The Judge awarded our client Permanent Total Disability to be paid until age 75. The $400,000 estimate of the permanent total value listed above is not reduced to present date value but it also does not include supplemental benefits to which this lady will be entitled through age 65.

2016 – After litigating the compensability of this injured worker’s case (fell off a roof and sustained a thoracic fracture) the Workers’ Comp insurance company paid for all past medical care and began paying disability benefits. Prior to this settlement, the workers compensation insurance company had already paid out $73,000 in benefits. At mediation the insurance company agreed to settle and pay an additional $200,000 to settle the case.

2015 – In May of 2008 this injured worker sustained an on-the-job injury resulting in a herniated disc at the L5-S1 level. Surgery was recommended by this authorized orthopedist but this injured worker wanted to defer surgery as long as possible. The Employee then exercised his right to a one-time change of doctors and was given another physician at an orthopedic clinic. The Employee had several visits with this physician over a period of approximately three years. When the Employee told this physician that he did not want the surgery that was being recommended, this insurance company doctor then told the insurance company that any further care was not related to the industrial accident.

As a result of the deposition testimony of the two orthopedic physicians that had treated this gentleman, the Judge of Compensation Claims ordered the Carrier to continue to provide medical care to this individual and found that such medical care was related to the industrial accident until any other intervening cause was determined.

2015 – This injured worker was involved in a work-related motor vehicle accident in June 2014. He was the passenger in the “sleeper berth” of a semi-tractor truck that was broadsided by another vehicle and rolled over. This gentleman suffered head, leg and shoulder injuries. When he attempted to return to work, the Employer terminated him for a ticket that he received in utilizing a hand held GPS device to assist him in locating a store where he was to deliver product. The Employer and its insurance company attempted to claim that this was terminating for cause that would disallow any further Workers’ Compensation money benefits. The Judge, at trial, found that termination was for cause, however, that termination did not prohibit this gentleman from receiving further money benefits as long as he demonstrated the loss of future income was related to his accident. The evidence proved that was, in fact, the case.

The Employer and its Insurance Carrier also attempted to deny the claim because of “misconduct”. Again, the basis for this misconduct allegation was the use of the hand-held device in furtherance of the employee’s job duties. The fact that the injured worker did not report the traffic violation immediately upon receipt was not evidence of wanton or willful disregard of the Employer’s interest and did not show the degree of carelessness or negligence required by the Workers’ Comp stature to sustain a misconduct defense.

The injured worker was awarded all the benefits that were requested and is currently receiving medical care and working elsewhere.

2015 – The injured worker sustained a compensable shoulder injury that led to multiple surgical procedures, including transfer to the Mayo Clinic for a reverse shoulder procedure. However, during the years of treatment since the date of accident (2010) the injured worker had noted neck and head symptoms to both his physician and physical therapist. The employer and their insurance company ignored these complaints and claimed that the injured worker never voiced any complaints. Consequently, the insurance company claimed that they were not responsible for treatment of same. Fortunately, one of the treating physicians reluctantly admitted that he had perhaps overlooked the injured worker’s complaints and, even more importantly, some of the physical therapy records evidenced these symptoms of back and head complaints over an extended period of time.

After a lengthy trial, the Judge of Compensation Claims awarded the compensability of the head and the neck injuries and ordered evaluations to be paid for by the Workers’ Comp carrier. The employer/carrier has taken an appeal of this issue.

2015 – After over a year of litigation, this gentleman proceeded to trial and was awarded Permanent Total Disability benefits. When reduced to present value, the monetary value of case is over $765,000 PLUS all of his future medical care which may include further back surgery.

This client worked for a local municipality for almost 20 years doing medium to heavy maintenance work. He had an accident in October 2012 in which he re-injured a prior low back condition that had been sustained as a result of previous accidents. The employer and insurance company tried to blame this gentleman’s inability to maintain employment on his pre-existing conditions. However, medical testimony, along with vocational expert testimony, demonstrated to the Judge of Compensation Claims that this injured worker was unable to obtain employment at this time due to the residuals from his work related accident. Of note in the Judge’s decision was the fact that the injured worker, through his attorney, requested assistance from the employer and their insurance company in locating a new job. The employer and the insurance company failed to assist and the client had hundreds of unsuccessful job searches.

December 2014 – The injured worker in this Workers’ Compensation case is a 52 year old Hispanic male with limited English speaking and writing skills. Following his on-the-job accident with the employer, the injured worker was terminated in 2012. He subsequently obtained another job for a period of time but lost that job due to the injuries he sustained in his Workers’ Comp accident. From that point forward (May 2012) until the date of trial, this gentleman contacted in excess of 500 potential employers looking for work. He received no offers of employment.

Interestingly, the underlying employer offered this gentleman a part-time job as a prep cook once that employer realized that a trial for Permanent Total Disability benefits was rapidly approaching. This injured worker went back to the employer and worked this part-time job on those occasions that he was allowed to work. Regardless of the fact that this injured worker was actually working at a part-time job at time of the trial, the Judge still awarded Permanent Total Disability benefits for multiple reasons; not the least of which was that the Judge determined the offer of part-time employment was “sheltered” employment. The employer has appealed this Judge’s order and a decision from the Appellate Court should be forthcoming during the summer of 2015.

2014 Orlando District Trial Award of Permanent Total Disability Over $250,000

A 68 year old Hispanic gentleman who does not speak English won his trial for Permanent Total Disability benefits. This gentleman had shoulder and hand injuries from two accidents with the same employer. The employer placed surveillance on this injured worker and attempted to convince the Judge that the injured worker was capable of employment. Both doctors that were deposed in this case stated that the surveillance did not show an ability to work more than the restrictions already provided by these doctors. The Judge ruled that the injured worker was entitled to have Workers’ Comp total disability benefits paid by the Workers’ Compensation insurance company.

This Workers’ Compensation case stemmed from a 2001 date of accident. In 2004 a trial was held wherein the injured employee was awarded Permanent and Total Disability benefits. Weekly payments were made to the insured worker, as well as his on-going medical expenses, through October 2014. At that time, the parties entered into a settlement of the case for $400,000. A Medicare Set-Aside trust was setup out of which future medical bills would be paid. The injured worker is able to continue to receive his Social Security Disability benefits and Medicare.

This workers’ compensation case in the Orlando district was litigated heavily on behalf of a 35 year old young man who sustained a low back injury in a workers’ compensation accident. Following surgery and a period of unsuccessful job searching, the workers’ comp insurance company accepted this gentleman as permanently and totally disabled just prior to going to trial. This acceptance of permanent total disability was in large part due to the testimony of the neurosurgeon who operated and provided follow-up treatment. Consequently, the injured worker decided to settle his case for $300,000.

After filing a claim in the Orlando district for permanent total claim disability, and after litigation of the claim, the workers’ comp insurance company settled this 50 year old Spanish speaking gentleman’s case for $167,000. This gentleman had embarked on a lengthy and unsuccessful job search and the insurance company, consequently, was fearful of going to trial and having the judge of compensation claims award permanent and total disability benefits. This particular injured worker had been without income for close to a year and felt compelled to settle his case. Given the fact that the injury was a hernia and there was only a 2% impairment rating with minimal restrictions attached, this gentleman was extremely satisfied with the end result.

Following a lengthy trial, the Judge of Compensation Claims in Polk County, Florida (Lakeland) found this 63-year-old gentleman, with 40-50 pound restrictions, to be permanently totally disabled. The judge’s award was on July 24th, 2013. However, the injured worker was awarded permanent total benefits going back to July 1st, 2011 with penalties and interest. Even though this gentleman had graduated community college and had worked as a firefighter for a number of years, he had been employed in a fruit processing facility for about 18 years prior to his industrial accident. He injured his back lifting heavy bags of salt and was unable to obtain employment even after putting forth a lengthy and unsuccessful job search. Because of this unsuccessful job search, the Judge of Compensation Claims awarded permanent total disability benefits which will amount to approximately $500,000.

Polk County Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Contact the Polk County Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0140.

In 2008, this female injured worker was severely injured when she was working for a nursing home. She injured her cervical spine and right shoulder. The Judge was presented evidence of the severity of this lady’s medical condition along with testimony from a vocational expert. When this information was considered in its totality, the Judge found that this injured worker was unable to return to gainful employment, and awarded Permanent and Total Disability benefits that will equate to over $1,000,000 on payout. Of note was the fact that this lady also suffered from depression related to this work accident, and the insurance company attempted to delay the trial because the injured worker was still treating or her depression and had not reached maximal medical improvement. The Judge agreed that it would have been a waste of time and futile to put off a decision when the evidence clearly showed that this lady was totally disabled from her orthopedic injuries alone.

Lake Mary Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Contact the Lake Mary Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0140.

In February, 2012, the Judge of Compensation Claims awarded Permanent Total Disability benefits to the injured worker at the end of trial. The Judge agreed that the injured worker’s back injury led to extreme pain and a constant limp. When combined with his limited transferrable skills in the workplace, these findings resulted in the claimant being unemployable. The Judge back-dated the award of Permanent Total disability benefits to July, 2011. Thee benefits will exceed $500,000 on payout. Additionally, the injured worker will still have the ability to receive his medical care paid for by the insurance company.

Brevard County Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Contact the Brevard County Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0140.

The claimant, a 50 year old with a low back injury was unable to become gainfully employed for a number of years following her 1999 date of accident. The Worker’s Compensation Insurance Company tried to blame her inability to find employment on numerous events and conditions unrelated to her accident. The insurance company used doctors that they had authorized to provide opinions against the injured worker. However, the attorneys at Vaughan Law Group had the injured worker’s case reviewed by a doctor of their choosing. That doctor’s opinions were found by the Judge of Compensation Claims to be more valid than the opinions of the insurance company doctors. Consequently, after a lengthy trial, the Judge awarded the injured worker Permanent Total Disability benefits that will amount to approximately $500,000. Additionally, the injured worker still gets to receive her medical care.

Daytona Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Contact the Daytona Beach Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0140.

Trial award of compensability and successful appeal:

This totally controverter claim stemmed from a motor vehicle/truck accident that the claimant suffered while working on the job. The Judge of Compensation Claim (JCC) found that, although the impact in the injured worker’s work related accident appeared minimal, the accident reconstruction expert hired by the Vaughan Law Group helped to prove otherwise. The JCC found that the expert accident reconstructionist used by the Vaughan Law Group provided more plausible and reasonable opinions then did the expert hired by the insurance company. Consequently, that testimony combined with the testimony of the medical doctor’s who evaluated and treated the claimant, led to a trial award finding all injuries compensable in favor of the injured worker. The employer/insurance company appealed this award and the first district court of appeals agreed with the JCC’s decision and affirmed it without discussion.

Experienced Orlando Workers’ Compensation Lawyers

Contact the Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0140.

The Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) awarded thousands of dollars of back due money to the injured worker and increased his Average Weekly Wage by hundreds of dollars. This increase may mean several hundred thousand dollars more to this individual over the life of his workers comp claim. The JCC also awarded a pain management doctor, an endocrinologist and an MRI – all to be provided and paid for by workers comp. (Daytona Beach/ Volusia County District)

Daytona Beach Workers’ Compensation Contact Information

Contact the Orlando Workers’ Comp Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0140.

Trial award of compensability and surgery:

This case involved depositions in multiple locations around the south east part of the country. The insurance company tried to blame the injured worker for fraud, thereby negating any future entitlement to loss wages and medical care. Among other needs, the claimant required major back surgery to repair herniated discs. The Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC), after a lengthy trial, found totally for the claimant/injured worker and awarded continued medical and money benefits. (Sarasota district)

Sarasota Workers’ Compensation Attorneys

Contact the Sarasota Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0140.

The Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) awarded compensability of, and future treatment for, a right shoulder injury. The workers comp employer (a local school board) refused to authorize treatment for the RIGHT shoulder because the initial accident and injury was just to the LEFT shoulder. Expert medical testimony convinced the JCC that the left shoulder was, in fact, injured due to over-use and compensating for the underlying right shoulder injury. As such, Florida law provides for medical care to be provided by workers comp. The School Board appealed the JCC’s award and that award was affirmed by the 1st District Court of Appeals. (Orlando/ Osceola County District)

Orlando Worker’s Compensation Contact Information

Contact the Orlando Workers’ Comp Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0140.

Trial Award of Benefits to Law Enforcement Officer (Sheriff’’s Deputy) employed 8 years who suffered an on-the-job heart attack. Following an extremely contested period of litigation, the Orlando Workers Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group, along with Co-Counsel, won an award of total compensability against the Marion County Sheriff’s Office and their Workers Compensation servicing agent. The Claimant was awarded all of her past due money benefits and all related medical benefits to include future medical care. This claimant underwent several surgical procedures to include a pacemaker, and two subsequent procedures for revisions to the pacemaker and it’s leads. The Claimant became medically unable to continue her employment in the law enforcement business. Gainesville District 2010

Marion County Workers’ Compensation Contact Information

Contact the Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call at (407) 490-0140.

$1,000,000.00 Settlement Award for an incomplete paraplegic who slipped and fell in a hotel room while on a business trip in California. This cash award was used to purchase an annuity that will pay the claimant approximately $2,000,000.00 over his life expectancy. During the pendency of the claim, the Orlando Workers Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group were able to secure attendant care benefits.

Trial award of compensability of claim with Vaughan Law Groups client, a prison guard.While performing searching techniques, the client sustained a scratch or tear in the skin on her upper extremity. Subsequently she developed a rash and sores and ultimately contracted MRSA.

The claimant ran-up numerous and significant medical bills as well as lost wages and need for future treatment (to include plastic surgery). The workers compensation insurance company denied the claim on the basis that it was an occupational disease or exposure and, consequently, argued that the claimant had a higher burden of proof that she could not carry.

The court found to the contrary and held that the claimant sustained an accident in the courseand scope of her employment and awarded benefits.

Orlando Worker’s Compensation Contact Information

Contact the Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at at (407) 490-0679.

2008 Worker’s Compensation Settlement $500,000.00 to injured worker involved in a motor vehicle / work related accident. The client was provided a structured settlement with these funds which produced an annuity that will pay the client over $1 Million dollars for his life expectancy.

Workers Compensation, 2008 – $2,000,000.00 award for a former Red Cross employee. This gentleman sustained cervical and lower back injuries that resulted in several surgical procedures. His condition gradually deteriorated, eventually leading to partial paraplegia. Consequently, Vaughan Law Group secured an assisted living facility in which the client was able to receive around-the-clock attendant care. The Vaughan Law Group, after years of litigation, was able to negotiate a $2 million dollar cash settlement. That sum is being used to fund an annuity which will provide the client over $3,000.000.00 dollars worth of benefits for his life expectancy. District G.

Orlando Worker’s Compensation Contact Information

Contact the Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorneys at Vaughan Law Group today for your free case evaluation. To contact Vaughan Law Group please fill out the form on this page or call us at (407) 490-0679.

Below you will find some of our previous workers compensation settlements dating back to 2006. For more information or to schedule your free initial consultation please use the contact information available on this page.

Below you will find some of our previous workers compensation settlements dating back to 2006. For more information or to schedule your free initial consultation please use the contact information available on this page.

2006 – Workers Compensation

a)43 year old Permanent Total Disability trial award for a worker who suffered a serious back injury. Based upon a combination of injuries and vocational deficiencies, the trial court awarded total disability benefits estimated to be in excess of $1,000,000.00 (not reduced to present value). District M-North. (Sarasota)

b)Death Case – Trial award of dependency benefits to the family of the deceased client. The case was defended on an alleged elevated “blood alcohol” level found during autopsy. The award hinged, in large part, upon the successful cross-examination of the defenses’ expert witness. District H. (Orlando)

2007 – Workers Compensation

c) $1,000.000.00 settlement for permanently and totally disabled client (not reduced to present value). District H.(Orlando)

d) $400,000.00 settlement for permanently and totally disabled client (not reduced to present value). District H.(Orlando)

e) $940,000.00 settlement for permanently and totally disabled client (not reduced to present value). District H.(Orlando)

2008 – Workers Compensation

a) $2,000,000.00 award for a former Red Cross employee. This gentleman sustained cervical and lower back injuries that resulted in several surgical procedures. His condition gradually deteriorated, eventually leading to partial paraplegia. Consequently, Vaughan Law Group secured an assisted living facility in which the client was able to receive around-the-clock attendant care. The Vaughan Law Group, after years of litigation, was able to negotiate a $2 million dollar cash settlement. That sum is being used to fund an annuity which will provide the client over $3,000.000.00 dollars worth of benefits for his life expectancy. District G. (Daytona Beach)

b) $677,0000.00 settlement after successful trial of the case. Injured worker’s employer totally denied her claim based upon alleged pre-existing conditions. This lady suffered severe pulmonological problems due to exposure to pesticide spray and ultimately required extensive pulmonological and psychiatric care. District G.(Daytona Beach)

c) $250.000.00 lump sum settlement for a 56 year old gentleman who suffered aggravation of a Chiari malformation in his neck caused by a machine that malfunctioned. Dist.H (Orlando)

Contact An Experienced Orlando Workers Compensation Lawyer

Contact Vaughan Law Group’s Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for your free initial consultation. You can contact Vaughan Law Group at (407) 490-0679 or use the online submission form.

Contact Vaughan Law Group’s Orlando Workers’ Compensation Attorneys today for your free initial consultation. You can contact Vaughan Law Group at (407) 490-0140 or use the online submission form.