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Case Study: How Legal Representation Increased a Workers’ Compensation Settlement From $9,400 to $120,000

Case Snapshot

Case Type: Workers’ Compensation – Workplace Slip and Fall

Industry: Amazon Fulfillment Center Contractor

Injury: Low Back Injury Requiring Surgery

Initial Settlement Offer: $9,400
Final Settlement: $120,000
Primary Challenge: Insurance Company Disputed Medical Treatment
Result: More Than 12× Increase in Settlement After Hiring Legal Counsel

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The Situation: Workplace Injury at an Amazon Fulfillment Center

Our client worked as a machine repair specialist for a contractor responsible for maintaining equipment inside Amazon fulfillment centers. His job required him to routinely service and repair heavy machinery to keep operations running safely and efficiently.

While performing his job duties inside an Amazon facility, the client slipped on workplace debris and fell, landing directly on his buttocks. The fall caused a serious low back injury that significantly impacted his mobility and ability to work.

Following the accident, the client sought medical treatment and ultimately underwent back surgery to address the severity of the injury and relieve ongoing pain.

The Challenge: Insurance Company Disputed the Injury Severity

Despite the client’s surgical treatment and documented injury, the workers’ compensation insurance carrier attempted to minimize the claim.

The insurer arranged for a second opinion examination with a doctor who concluded the client did not require surgery and instead suffered only a muscular strain. This opinion directly contradicted the client’s treating medical providers and significantly reduced the insurer’s evaluation of the case.

While the client was still unrepresented by legal counsel, the insurance company offered just $9,400 to settle the disputed workers’ compensation claim.

The offer failed to account for:

  • The client’s surgical procedure
  • Recovery time and lost wages
  • Long-term physical limitations
  • Ongoing medical care needs

Faced with mounting medical concerns and an undervalued settlement offer, the client sought legal guidance.

Why the Client Turned to Vasilatos Injury Law

After receiving what he believed was an unfair settlement offer, the client contacted Vasilatos Injury Law to evaluate his case and determine whether additional compensation could be pursued.

Workers’ compensation claims involving disputed medical treatment often require careful legal and medical analysis. Without representation, injured workers may not have the resources to challenge insurance company medical opinions or present evidence supporting their treatment needs.

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Legal Strategy: Challenging the Insurance Company’s Position

Vasilatos Injury Law conducted a comprehensive review of the client’s claim, medical history, and workplace accident details.

The legal strategy focused on several key areas:

  • Validating the Medical Necessity of Surgery: Our team worked to demonstrate that the client’s surgery was medically necessary and directly related to the workplace accident. This included reviewing treating physician records and highlighting inconsistencies in the insurer’s second opinion.
  • Documenting the Full Impact of the Injury: We gathered evidence showing how the injury affected the client’s ability to perform his job duties and maintain his income. Establishing occupational limitations is often critical in workers’ compensation disputes.
  • Preparing the Case for Litigation: By preparing the claim for trial-level review, we strengthened the client’s negotiating position and demonstrated that we were prepared to advocate for fair compensation.
  • Securing a Favorable Pre-Trial Outcome: During pre-trial proceedings, we successfully presented evidence supporting the severity of the injury and the legitimacy of the client’s medical treatment.

The Outcome: $120,000 Settlement for Workplace Slip and Fall

Following successful pre-trial negotiations, the workers’ compensation insurance company agreed to settle the case for $120,000.

This final settlement represented more than a twelve-fold increase from the initial offer made before the client obtained legal representation.

The Impact on the Client

The improved settlement helped provide financial stability during the client’s recovery and acknowledged the seriousness of his workplace injury.

The compensation helped offset:

  • Medical expenses related to surgery and treatment
  • Lost wages during recovery
  • Long-term physical limitations associated with the injury

Most importantly, the outcome ensured the client received compensation that more accurately reflected the real impact of his accident.

Legal Takeaways: What Injured Workers Should Know

Workers’ compensation claims can become complex when insurance companies dispute medical treatment or attempt to reduce claim value. This case highlights several important lessons for injured workers.

  • Insurance Companies May Challenge Medical Treatment: Second medical opinions are frequently used to minimize claims. These opinions are not always final and can be contested with proper legal advocacy.
  • Early Settlement Offers May Undervalue Serious Injuries: Initial offers are sometimes made before the full extent of an injury is understood or documented.
  • Legal Representation Can Strengthen Workers’ Compensation Claims: An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can gather evidence, challenge disputed medical opinions, and negotiate improved settlements.
  • Preparing a Case for Trial Often Improves Negotiating Leverage: Demonstrating readiness to litigate can significantly influence settlement outcomes.
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CLIENT TESTIMONIALS

Working Together To Serve Your Needs

Vasilatos Injury Law is the best injury law firm in the City of Chicago. Attorney Vasilatos handled my worker’s compensation case with professionalism, and worked hard to ensure I received the benefits I was entitled to. Whenever I called, my calls were answered or returned promptly. This was very important to me since other attorney’s never return calls or are never available to talk to you.

I have referred Vasilatos Injury Law to my friends and family who have also experienced excellent results.

Shirley Dillard

Principal at CPS-McNair Academic Cemter

I came to Vasilatos Law almost 20 years ago. I had a workers' compensation case with my former employer and Mr. Vasilatos always was and still is a true gentleman. He cares about his clients, he listens, gives great legal advice, and is always a phone call away. He is honest and will explain everything in detail. He is patient, sincere, very knowledgeable, extremely professional, and will always return your calls in a timely manner. I recommend Mr. Vasilatos and Vasilatos Law as the best law firm to represent you in your workers' compensation or personal injury case to anyone who wants results.

I hired Vasilatos Law firm on more than one occasion and they always delivered the best results. Vasilatos Law is the best workers' compensation and personal injury attorneys you can have on your side.

F. Zorba

My experience with the team at Vasilatos Law was outstanding. I am thankful. The paralegal staff was courteous and fast in their responses. They handled both of my cases with professionalism and care. I highly recommend Lee Vasilatos to anyone seeking legal services.

Elva R.

What a phenomenal group of personal injury attorneys. We have a lot of choices when it comes to choosing an attorney to represent us, hands down one of the best as I went down the road, not knowing what to expect. Attorneys Lee Vasilatos and Ellina Khotimlyansky worked with me every step of the way with a clear and descriptive approach on how my case would be justified. Thank you Vasilatos Injury Law Team.

Scott M.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a workers’ comp lawyer increase my settlement?

Why do insurance companies offer low initial settlements?

What if an insurance doctor says my surgery was unnecessary?

Should I accept a workers’ comp settlement without a lawyer?

Injured at Work? Understand the True Value of Your Claim

If you suffered a workplace injury and received a workers’ compensation settlement offer, you may have options. Insurance companies do not always account for the full impact of an injury when making initial offers.

Vasilatos Injury Law helps injured workers evaluate their claims, challenge disputed medical findings, and pursue fair compensation.

Contact Vasilatos Injury Law today to discuss your case and learn about your legal options.

Get In Touch With Us

If you have questions regarding any aspect of workers’ compensation or personal injury, we invite you to call our office or complete the email form provided to the right.

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