Road and bridge construction projects in Connecticut often use temporary arrangements to handle traffic while the project is underway. Occasionally, removing these temporary barriers can be extremely dangerous. This unhappy fact was demonstrated on August 21, 2017...
It’s Time To Rebuild Your Life
Year: 2017
Bridgeport man killed in workplace accident
Construction workers are frequently required to move loads that are far heavier than human lifting and carrying ability. For short moves, workers commonly use "tow motors," a small truck powered by a battery or propane engine. These vehicles often resemble fork lift...
Falling tree kills Harwinton man
Most workplace accidents are caused by man-made items or equipment, such as ladders, scaffolds, retaining walls, saws, and drills. In a remarkable exception to this rule, a recent fatal workplace accident near Windsor, Connecticut was caused by a wholly natural object...
Helping injured workers obtain workers’ compensation benefits
Everyday, residents in Connecticut go to work. This might seem like a routine action and is a very necessary part of life, providing a livable income to individuals in all areas, industries and careers, but it can quickly turn into a dangerous activity. An employee...
Employers increase safety measures to protect older workers
The percentage of older workers in the labor force is increasing every year. This phenomenon may herald an increase in both the number of injuries at work and the seriousness of these injuries. According to persons who study the effects of aging on the workplace,...
How to pursue damages after suffering injuries in a car accident
If you suffer severe injuries as a car accident victim, you may be overwhelmed by mounting medical bills. Your inability to return to work for some time may further jeopardize your financial stability. Although you likely know that you are entitled to pursue a...
A survey of the worst workplace injuries in Connecticut
Workers in Connecticut face a wide array of potential accidents that can inflict serious injuries. A recent survey of work-related injuries in Connecticut and other northeastern states by the United States Occupational Safety and Health Administration illustrates the...
A summary of workers’ compensation benefits in Connecticut
Most residents in Connecticut are aware that the state has a system for providing certain benefits to workers who are injured on the job. However, relatively few people are aware of the types of benefits that this system provides - and with that - does not provide....
Injured worker settles third-party liability claim for $425,000
Connecticut workers who suffer workplace injuries are entitled to compensation from their employer without needing to establish the employer's fault. However, the amount of the benefits is limited by state law, and the prescribed workers' compensation benefits...
Understanding OSHA’s role in providing a safe workplace
In 1970, the Congress passed and President Nixon signed the Occupational Safety and Health Act. The act was passed to prevent workers from suffering injuries in accidents at work. The act created the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) to administer...
Verdicts & Settlements
36-year-old laborer for landscaping company fractured wrist when fellow employee hit him with truck. Claimant received in excess of $30,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for total disability and medical expenses and settled with automobile insurance company for fellow employee for $95,000.
1989 workers’ compensation claim settled for $125,000. Claimant originally sustained a low back injury when she slipped and fell at local grocery store resulting in low back surgery in 1989. Several years later, claimant exacerbated her low back injury. Claim was reopened and settled with carrier for $125,000 in 2006.
47-year-old deli clerk sustained low back injuries at work for local supermarket. Carrier originally denied claim on the grounds that the injury was pre-existing. After formal workers’ compensation hearing carrier accepted claim and paid all total disability benefits and medical expenses in excess of $100,000. Case then settled for an additional $100,000 after injured person received a permanent disability rating.
34-year-old male roofer sustained multiple injuries to his shoulder, neck, back and hip when he fell from roof during work. Claimant was provided workers’ compensation benefits in excess of $100,000 and settled remaining claims for an additional $55,000.
40-year-old male working for cleaning company sustained neck and low back injuries when he fell on defective staircase while cleaning local museum. Claimant recovered over $95,000 in workers’ compensation benefits and resolved claim against museum for $85,000.
26-year-old laborer sustained fractured foot when a cast iron pipe was dropped on his foot. Employer and workers’ compensation carrier denied claim on basis that injured worker was an independent contractor. After a series of informal and formal workers’ compensation hearings, carrier conceded that claimant was an employee and settled case for $85,000.
24-year-old waitress sustained back injury while working at Outback Steak House. Workers’ compensation insurance company initially denied the claim. After a series of informal hearings, carrier accepted claim paying medical expenses and total disability benefits. In addition to those benefits paid, claim settled for an additional $75,000.
Delivery truck driver sustained right wrist fracture in rear-end motor vehicle accident while in the course of his employment. Claimant recovered in excess of $40,000 in workers’ compensation benefits for medical expenses and total disability benefits. Claimant settled case against at-fault driver for $105,000.
22-year-old male working as stocking clerk at “big box” retailer sustained herniated disc in low back. Workers’ compensation carrier refused to accept the claim. After formal workers’ compensation, hearing commissioner ordered carrier to pay over $35,000 in past total disability benefits and pay for surgery and all related medical expenses. Case settled for an additional $35,000 for a total recovery in excess of $100,000.
Rear-end collision on entrance ramp to Merritt Parkway resulting in 49-year-old woman sustaining mid-back injury. Case settled at mediation after filing suit for $300,000.
28-year-old passenger sustained multiple herniated discs in automobile accident in New York state. New York no-fault carrier paid for extended period of disability from work and medical expenses, including expenses for surgery. Case settled against driver of vehicle for $300,000 policy limits shortly after filing suit.
54-year-old man sustains shoulder injury when hit from behind by uninsured motorist on New Jersey Turnpike. Case settled for $135,000 prior to trial.
CT Transit bus driver sustained torn meniscus in collision with another vehicle. Claims made against at-fault driver, workers’ compensation carrier and client’s underinsured motorist policy. All claims settle for a recovery in excess of $100,000.
68-year-old woman sustained neck and back injuries in rear-end collision and required extended course physical therapy, but was not a surgical candidate. Case settled for $100,000 prior to filing suit.
34-year-old woman sustained concussion and neck and back injuries in hit-and-run accident on a New York highway. Claimant settled uninsured motorist claim for her $100,000 policy limits.
80-year-old woman sustained right foot fracture when her foot was run over in a parking lot. Case settled for at-fault driver’s policy limit of $100,000 prior to filing suit.
38-year-old nanny sustained right femur fracture when she fell down defective stairs in home of her employer’s neighbor. All medical expenses and lost wages reimbursed and case settled for an additional $150,000.
Claim against landlord for defective staircase in multi-family rental house. Claimant sustained a right femur fracture. Case settled for $125,000 prior to filing suit.
$95,000 judgment obtained against bar and nightclub for assault by one of its patrons against another patron.
47-year-old woman sustained a broken left wrist when she fell from porch stairs at house she was renting. Case settled for $95,000 shortly before trial.
26-year-old male bitten on leg by German shepherd. Claim against dog owner settled for $65,000 plus payment of all medical expenses.