Hassakis & Hassakis, PC
Southern Illinois Personal Injury Attorneys
Mount Vernon Illinois - St. Louis Missouri

Recent Recoveries - Case Summaries

60 year old Vietnam veteran dies after complications went untreated from a ruptured spleen at the VA Hospital in Marion, Illinois. The veteran was admitted to Marion VA Hospital for observation after he fell at his home while chasing his dog. His complaints of severe abdominal pain went unchecked until emergency surgery the next morning revealed the untreated ruptured spleen. He is survived by his wife and four adult children. Plaintiff was unemployed and suffered from severe PTSD from Vietnam and other health problems. This particular doctor began practicing at the VA after surrendering his Massachusetts medical license. A settlement was reached with his wife and was paid by the United States of America.

56 year old male sustained injury to his left foot and leg as a result of falling off a truck while loading trusses for his employer. Treated with Dr. Heshmatapour and continues to have pain, swelling, discoloration and an uneven gait. Certain activities are prohibitive. Case settled for $16.500. (DT)

36 year old male sustained serious injury - right joint depression calcaneal fracture to his right heel and foot as a result of falling through a floor onto a concrete basement while in the course of his employment. Open reduction and internal fixation surgery as well as a popliteal nerve block was performed on the right foot. Has limited mobility and requires inserts in his footwear. Case settled for $49,009.33 which includes a claim for future medical expenses. (RW)

36 year old female physically and sexually harassed by a female coworker/supervisor in the course of her employment. Employee sustained both mental and physical injuries as a result of this assault which caused a strain on her marriage and family. She attempted suicide and her entire family was required to attend counseling due to the nature of her problems and its effect on her family. Case settled for $50,000. (KH)

60 year old male sustained injuries to his back, neck and lower extremities as a result of being rear ended in an automobile accident. Employee off work 50 weeks with conservative treatment of chiropractic and physical therapy. Due to his previous transplant situation, surgery was not performed. Case settled for $21.089.43.

42 year old male sustained injuries to his neck and back while lifting a septic tank cover and slipped and fell in the rain in the course of his employment. An anterior cervical discectomy with an interbody fusion at C4-5 and C5-6 and anterior cervical vector T-plating. Postoperative diagnosis was a large central disc herniation at C4-5 with cervical stenosis and spondylosis at C5-6. Case was settled for $50,072.56

50 year old female was injured on two separate occasions at her place of employment. The first injury being when she severed her forearm with a utility blade and the second injury being when her hand was caught in a machine, severely crushing her left middle finger which resulted in a partial amputation. Surgery was performed to repair the transected medial antebrachial cutaneous nerve at the left mid-forearm followed by physical therapy. Three surgeries were performed to repair the left middle finger culminating with the partial amputation. Case settled for $19,536.55.

56 year old male was injured during the course of his employment when a large rock fell on his head, causing serious injuries including a Hangman’s fracture, which can cause death or paralysis and often causes death by suffocation. His neck was completely immobilized with the use of a SOMI vest. He was ultimately allowed to return to work. Case settled for $60,000.00.

69 year old male was injured during the course of his employment as a truck driver while attempting to release the back axles of his truck which resulted in a two-level disc herniation. An anterior cervical microdiscectomy and fusion was performed. He lost his job in the process and also explored a claim for constructive termination. Case settled for $100,000.

58 year old female manufacturing operations worker was injured from forceful job efforts. Petitioner initially complained of pain in her right hand, wrist and thumb due to applying force in the course of her job and alleges aggravation of pre-existing degenerative changes and development of Dequervain’s tenosynovitis. Petitioner was awarded the sum of $13,201.74 representing 18.75% loss of use of the right hand for permanency plus mileage. TTD was correctly paid and a hold harmless was obtained from Petitioner’s health insurance carrier. (CD)

68 year old female injured falling down stairs at work. She sustained injuries to her left shoulder, left arm and head.  Petitioner was diagnosed as having a humeral neck fracture, abrasion to the left elbow and a superficial laceration to the left eyebrow. She was treated conservatively initially and then underwent a left proximal humeral hemiarthropasty for her displaced left proximal humerus fracture. The humeral was replaced with a prosthetic due to the severe fracture. She was then treated with therapy sessions. She was given permanent restrictions of no lifting overhead and no lifting over 20 pounds with her left extremity. Surgery most likely be needed from normal wear and tear of her glenoid and/or acromion from a rotator cuff deficiency. Petitioner awarded $26,311,49 for 60% loss of use of the left arm, permanency and medically related mileage. All medicals have been paid. (BP)

57 year old male correctional officer sustained ACL sprain while attempting to secure a gate on uneven ground for his employer. Petitioner diagnosed with post traumatic arthrosis of the left knee. Treated conservatively with medications, injections and viscoelastic therapy and Supartz injections. Total knee arthroplasty recommended in the future with medical left "open" for this surgery or related needs. Could not return to his former type of employment. Awarded $603.18 per week for life. (DA)

68 year old female manufacturing assembly operator sustained left shoulder and left hand/wrist injuries of impingement syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome while performing work duties for 23 years. Petitioner diagnosed with left shoulder impingement syndrome and left carpal tunnel syndrome as a result of repetitive motions required in her job. Treated conservatively with physical therapy, pain medications and injections for her shoulder, and medications and splinting for her hand/wrist. A left carpal tunnel release was subsequently performed when conservative measures failed to bring relief. Awarded settlements of $12,073.63 and $7,875.70, or a total of $20, 950.48 for permanency, unpaid TTD benefits, reimbursable medical charges and mileage plus the payment of any additional medical charges remaining unpaid. This represented approximately 20% of the left hand and 7-1/2% of the left arm. Due to her age, Petitioner was collecting social security benefits at the time of her injury (RAH)

36 year old female manufacturing assembly operator sustained injuries to her left wrist and hand while testing filters for her employer.  Petitioner diagnosed with persistent de Quervain’s tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the left wrist and skin and subcutaneous tissue atrophy of the radial side of the left wrist as a result of an injection received. Treated conservatively with injections, splinting, work restrictions and medications. Release of severe deQuervain’s tenosynovitis of the first dorsal compartment of the left wrist was subsequently performed, with severe atrophy noted. Nerve conduction study subsequently performed revealed left superficial radial neuropathy with axonal and distal demyelinating features and evidence of a left distal medical neuropathy at the wrist, or carpal tunnel. Underwent a left open carpal tunnel release with resection and burying of the nerve and extension osteotomy. Awarded settlement of $21,447.81 for permanency, reimbursable prescription charges, mileage and medical charges yet unpaid.(AH)

 35 year old male tire store employee sustained injuries to his head, face, torso, legs, knees, arms, shoulders and teeth when a tire exploded during installation. Petitioner sustained facial scarring (loss of soft tissue in the forehead region), tracheotomy scar, nose near totally avulsed and sinuses crushed. Petitioner underwent numerous surgical procedures, including two sinus surgeries, scar removal of the left cheek and an implant of bone for the nasal dorsum. Nasal difficulties were treated with conservative treatment, i.e. nasal sprays, filter mask and antibiotics. Subsequent recommendation for removal of hardware when conservative measures failed. Caldwell-Luc procedure of the maxillary sinus was performed. Petitioner experienced mood swings and uneasiness. Upon neurological evaluation, Petitioner had delayed visual memory and post traumatic amnesia. Initial CTs showed cerebral edema with paraenchymal and subaracnoid hemorrhages, depressed skull fracture and skull base fracture; multiple comminuted facial fractures throughout sinuses and post traumatic edema or tissue necrosis in the right occipital lobe, Awarded settlement of $60,000, representing near 50% loss of man as a whole; 40% loss of use of the left leg; 40% disfigurement; medically related mileage; and unpaid reimbursable medical charges for this low wage earner. (TS)

Female injured after falling over a box in a flower shop, sustaining injuries to her back, left arm and knee. Plaintiff was diagnosed with lumbar sprain and treated with pain medications and physical therapy. Subsequent follow up with orthopedic surgeon revealed lumbar segmental dysfunction , lumbar sprain/strain as well as thoracic or lumbosacral neuritis or radiculitis and was treated with heat treatments and manipulation. In addition, Plaintiff was diagnosed with degenerative disc disease with physical therapy being prescribed along with steroids and medication for pain. Steroids worked but pain returned upon discontinuation. Water based therapy was then recommended with continued use of pain medication and anti-inflammatories. Due to a lifting restriction, she was terminated from her position as a traveling nurse. Case settled for $39,500. (EK)

38 year old male fabricator injured at his place of employment due to repetitive trauma to both hands. Petitioner initially treated conservatively with night splints bilaterally while sleeping. Also placed on Relafan twice daily after meals. After conservative treatment failed, recalcitrant bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome was diagnosed and endoscopic carpal tunnel release surgery was recommended and performed on his right and left hand. Petitioner was awarded $41, 610.30 which represents 20% permanent partial disability of the right and left hands and underpaid and disputed TTD benefits in the amount of $1,500, unpaid medical charges and a hold harmless from reimbursement of any monies to any major medical insurance carrier. (TA)

32 year old female injured at her place of employment due to auditing work as a split case picker. She sustained injuries to her back, left shoulder, arm and other body parts. Petitioner was initially diagnosed with left shoulder strain/sprain and was placed on light duty and scheduled for physical therapy. When conservative treatment failed, she was seen by orthopedic physician. Initial evaluation indicated a left shoulder AC joint sprain with degenerative changes. Cortisone injections were given. Her diagnosis transformed to left shoulder rotator cuff tendinopathy. After the injections failed to bring petitioner relief, a left shoulder arthroscopy, subacromial decompression and distal clavicle resection surgery was performed followed by physical therapy. Petitioner was awarded $28, 411.14 representing lump sum settlement for permanency and unpaid medical charges. All TTD and medical benefits recovered in the correct amounts previously.(TR)

45 year old female sustained back injury while attempting to pick up a case of product. Petitioner’s diagnosis was a large central disk herniation and degenerative disk disease at L4-5. She underwent posterior cervical bilateral laminectomy and diskectomy interbody fusion at the L4-5 with allograft bone spacer. Settled for $44,000. (BR)

46 year old female sustained injury to her left shoulder while pushing a stack of totes which caught, jolting her shoulder. Plaintiff was terminated while undergoing treatment for her work injuries and Respondent refused to allow her to return to work. She found employment at two places on her own and her request for vocational rehabilitation went unheeded by her employer. Settled for $235,000.00. (TM)

58 year old gravedigger sustains 2 injuries while performing duties for employer - Petitioner sustained lower back and left hip and leg injuries when a "cave in" caused him to be injured.  He sought treatment, in the form of cortisone injections and physical therapy, but continued to work.  On a subsequent incident, he was performing his work duties and a heavy door started to fall on him, and he was injured as he tried to prevent it from falling on him.  He was diagnosed with a complete left arm tear of the supraspinatus tendon.  He obtained a 35% permanent partial disability for his left arm at his modest earnings rate, as well as all medical expenses resulting in a total cash settlement of $14, 805.  (RU)

35 year old male slips and falls - Petitioner suffered from injuries to his left shoulder subsequently requiring surgery.  This case was settled for $26,700 based on 27.5% loss of use of the left shoulder, plus unpaid medical charges at this worker's modest earnings rate.  (SH)

34 year old male injured due to repetitive trauma as a factory laborer - Petitioner suffered repetitive injuries to both hands as the result of his job duties.  He had performed the same job for over 5 years which required repetitive pushing, pulling and reaching with both hands and arms.  He was diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome.  This case setteled for $32, 646 plus over $5,000 in unpaid medical charges and represented approximately 20% loss of use of the right hand and 19.25% loss of use of the left hand, almost exactly the initial demand!  (CS)

30 year old male injured while making a right hand turn - Plaintiff was struck from behind by an automobile.  He was diagnosed with low back strain/sprain.  He was reimbursed for approximately 2 months of  wage losses and all medical charges were paid.  A $12,000 cash settlement was awarded.  (MH)

49 year old male suffers carpal tunnel syndrome - Petitioner was injured while working as a stockman when he picked up a box from a stock delivery and felt a pop in his right dominant hand and arm.  He was diagnosed with traumatically induced carpal tunnel syndrome of his right, dominant hand.  After much deliberation, a settlement of $35,000 was reached.  This result was nearly equivalent to the initial demand presented to the employer and insurance company at the onset of negotiators.  (RT)

Petitioner injured while moving heavy products as a service man - He was diagnosed with an L5-S1 annular tear with a central herniation and an annular tear at L4-5 after moving heavy merchandise.  The case was disputed and a positive outcome reached with payment of all medical bills and a settlement obtained of $75,000 for permanent partial disability.  (JL)

40 year old man develops severe back pain after lifting and driving - He was working as a delivery person and was lifting a heavy bag when he felt pain in his back.  Within a few days the pain was radiating down into his buttocks, hip and left leg.  He sought treatment for his injuries.  He then switched jobs to driving only.  The long periods of driving, however, caused the symptoms to increase.  He required future medical follow-up care and  was reimbursed for his pervious medical costs and was given monies for future medical care.  His recovery sum was approximately $39,494 which was in excess two times more than his initial demand! DD

Woman injured after losing her balance - She was injured while trying to grab a bag from a conveyor and lost her balance.  Her right hand and arm were caught in the loader and struck by working machinery.  She was taken to the emergency room and treated for deep abrasions on the dorsum of her right forearm as well as abrasions on the right hand.  She also suffered a fracture of the wrist.  She now has permanent scarring on her right hand and forearm.  Settlement was reached for 33.3% loss of use of her right hand and 7.5% disfigurement of the right arm, or a total of %17,800. ZS

Woman injured while moving heavy merchandise at work - Petitioner sought treatment and a doctor noted that she had tenderness to palpation in the right upper, middle and lower trapezius muscles and also tenderness of the right gluteal region and right SI joint.  She was instructed to continue on light duty with no heavy lifting, pushing or pulling.  Her employer would not allow her to return to work until she was released to full work duty.  After several months, she was released to work, but again began having pain in her back and returned for further evaluation and medical treatment.  An MRI was then obtained to reveal disc bulging.  She still continued to have back pain after standing and working for long hours.  She tried to do some heavy lifting and pushing, but could not do her job as well as before the injury.  A compensation package was secured for her in the amount of $26,000. CR

23 year old male injured when struck by a cable at work - Petitioner was injured when a steel cable discharged at a high speed, came through his jeans and leather boots, striking and entering his left foot and ankle.  The initial offer of the company was for only 15% of the left foot, however, total compensation was eventually awarded and recovered of 35.5% of the left foot, or $19,420, an amount more than double the initial offer! DW

Infant and mother injured from hazard in rental property - Mother and infant resided in a home requiring maintenance and repairs.  The mother fell through a hole, in the main bathroom, as she was stepping out of the shower.  Just a short 4 months later, mold in the house adversely affected the infant boy's breathing.  The landlord of the home had been contacted on numerous occasions due to the needed repairs in the home.  The child's portion of the case was settled for $24,000, of which $16,000 was immediately payable to the child, with the remaining monies placed in a structure to grow and  be paid out tax free when needed in his early adult years. The mother's portion of this case was settled for $4,000. CS

41 year old female injured while performing repetitive movements in the course of employment - Petitioner was a receiver checker when she sustained repetitive trauma injuries in the course of her employment.  A $69,026 settlement result was reached, being close to the original demand formulated by our office, and representing 22.5% loss of use of the right hand, 20% for the right arm, 17% loss of use of the left hand, and 20% loss of use of the left arm for this workers' modest earnings rate, and his mileage reimbursement. HE

Woman rear-ended when adverse driver failed to reduce speed - Petitioner was rear-ended and taken to local hospital with complaints of back pain that radiated down her right leg.  She later experienced cervical sprain and acute low back sprain/strain injuries and was diagnosed with a compression fracture at L5 as a direct result of this occurrence, resulting in a settlement in excess of $11,000.  This case involved modest impact and medical bills approximately $4,000 with no wage losses. DT

51 year old man falls from work truck, landing on wrists - Plaintiff sustained bilateral distal radius fractures after landing on his outstretched wrists.  He was pulling a tarp over his work truck when he fell approximately 10 feet to the ground.  This case settled for 31% loss of use of his right hand, 45% loss of use of the left hand and all unpaid medical bills resulting in a total settlement amount of $43,152. JD

Female factory worker's hand gets caught in machine - Plaintiff's left hand was caught in a working engine and her hand was pulled into the machine.  She underwent surgical repair of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th metacarpals and sustained numerous lacerations to her hand.  This case was settled for $22,000 based on 36% loss of use of her left hand, plus underpaid TTD, underpaid mileage and reimbursement to herof the medical charges she paid. FH

Plaintiff injured while going down stairs during a fire drill - Plaintiff fell and landed on his right shoulder and side, hitting his right eye, resulting in an eye laceration.  He underwent rotator cuff surgery and treatments for the eye laceration.  This worker's case was settled in the sum of $28,681, representing 31% loss of use to the right arm, 1.5% PPD to petitioners BAW (body as a whole) and all disputed TTD benefits. JM

 45-year-old male construction worker injured both hands when he fell off a roof (approximately 10 feet) in the course of work. He sustained bi-lateral distal radius fractures to both hands and wrists. This worker continues his same type of employment but has modified his manner of some of his duties after the wrists where immediately splinted and then thereafter cast so it was obtained of 33% loss of the left hand and 32.5% loss of the right hand a total sum of $16,300.00 given his honest wage rate. SA

27-year-old male injured while sustaining aggravated lower back injuries from driving a truck. The case was disputed by the employer and zero monies were offered up until time of trial when a $15,000.00 un-compromised result was obtained according to a 9% loss of man as a whole this petitioner regularly had to drive his truck on rough terrain which results in lots of bouncing on a poorly constructed seat which even the supervisor agreed was a bad seat. In any event the petitioner underwent cortisone injection and physical therapy. RZ

59-year-old female factory worker repetitive work duties caused her to develop mild carpel tunnel syndrome in both hands and wrists. She was able to avoid surgical intervention and with considerable efforts between the client and our firm her job duties were changed and are now much less physically demanding. An amicable settlement was ultimately reached for 10% loss use of the right hand, 9% loss use of the left hand nearly $2,700.00 in unpaid medical expenses and over $273.00 in unpaid mileage expense for a total cash settlement of $14,000.00. BM

31-year-old female injured while performing repetitive assembly tasks for a manufacturing company. She sustained three separate injuries as well as several re-injuries. It was felt that much of her injury was due to working on defective equipment though insisted by management to continue working or be fired. Her primary injuries were progressive moderate right carpel tunnel syndrome and mild left carpel tunnel syndrome, right lateral epicondylitis, right radial tunnel syndrome. She had positive testing for carpel tunnel and positive Tinel's on the ulnar nerve. Carpel tunnel relief surgeries was ultimately performed on both hands and wrists but surgery for her right forearm and elbow are all but refused by the company but with progressive efforts with the employer and its insurance carrier. Approval was ultimately given and in a surgery the nature of the right posterior interosseous nerve decompression with lateral epicondylar debridement and decortication were performed and eventually underwent further disputed surgery in the nature of the decompression and interior transposition of the right ulnar nerve at the elbow for recalcitrant right cubital tunnel syndrome. The case was ultimately settled near trial for $40,000.00 representing 15% loss of the left hand, 25% loss of the right hand and 30% loss of the left arm together with the disputed medical bills she had unpaid and TTD benefits due her. RS

56-year-old male injured when he slipped and fell while working as a construction laborer. He was lifting an air compressor when he injured his left knee and leg. A left knee excision was ultimately performed of the post traumatic seroma. This case was settled just before trial for $11,709.00 for 20% loss of the left leg, and under paid TTD benefits and unpaid medical bills. CE

25-year-old female injured while working as a manufacturing assembler testing revealed positive Tinel's signs bi-laterally with a confirmed diagnosis of bi-lateral carpel tunnel syndrome. Splinting, medications, injections and rest were insufficient to successfully treat her or solve it so both right and left carpel tunnel releases were ultimately performed on her. She settled her case on the eve of trial for a total of $29,820.77 representing 16.5% loss of the right hand 15% loss of left hand and 5% loss of the left arm with additional monies for balance of mileage due, unpaid medical bills and temporary total disability payments from her two injuries. She no longer works for the manufacturing plant. SG

47-year-old male automotive mechanic was thrown from a bobcat injuring his right arm, shoulder and back. Medical testing ultimately determined him to have impingement tendinitis a full thickness tear of the interior supraspinatus tendon, AC joint hypertrophy Type III acromion in multi-level nerve root irritation at C 5-6 and C 6-7. He underwent a sub-acromial decompression of the right shoulder with partial distilcavical resection and a rotator cup repair. He has gone through considerable physical therapy thereafter. Limitations continued after cortisone injections and given the continuing pain and numbness in his fingers and limited overhead reaching, second surgical procedure in the nature of the right shoulder arthroscopy and open repair of the right rotator cuff were performed. There is no work available for him following these procedures and his permanent restrictions and limitations usage of his right arm and shoulder, right hand and fingers settlement was reached in a total lump sum of $82,500.00 representing $20,000.00 towards medical, under paid mileage future vocational rehabilitation and future TTD benefits, $9,317.00 for 5% loss of a person as a whole and $53,183.00 representing 60% lost use of the right arm. JM

36-year-old security guard was paralyzed because a spinal epidural abscess was not timely diagnosed. Though fairly rare, the classic symptoms of this condition were clear when he first went to the emergency room. He was nevertheless sent home with a diagnosis of back pain. When his pain worsened he went to a different emergency room when an MRI was ordered at a third facility. Unfortunately the MRI report which was faxed to the ER doctor was lost and which was acknowledged only when the family called for the results. A second report was faxed to the hospital but no nurse bothered to read the report or even show it to a doctor. When the plaintiff's condition worsened he went to the hospital but the staff could not find the MRI report, his chart or a doctor to examine him. The plaintiff went to the ER three times but no treatment was provided. About 30 hours later the spinal epidural abscess had spread to the extent that plaintiff became a paraplegic. A few hours later he went into a coma. After enduring a coma for two days he ultimately became a quadriplegic. He remained on a ventilator for four months and was hospitalized for 9 months. He requires significant home care and will not ever be able to function independently. This case was mediated and eventually settled for $1,900,000.00. PJ

52 year old male worked at a bakery. His left leg had been red, swollen and warm for four days. He went to the emergency room twice and was diagnosed as having early cellulitis. He saw his family doctor and was then admitted to the hospital. Sores developed on his leg for which he was given an antibiotic, support stockings, told to elevate his leg, use whirlpools at the hospital and given topical treatment on the sores. During one whirlpool session the plaintiff blacked out. Numerous tests were done to determine the cause for his loss of consciousness. At no time was a venogram or a Doppler ultrasound or any other proper work-up for his leg problems considered or even performed. The failure to obtain a venogram or a Doppler ultrasound to rule out blood clots as the possible cause of the left leg problem was argued to be below the standard of care. Neither Heparin, a blood thinner, or Coumadin, an oral blood thinner, were prescribed. While these medications would not have deestroyed the clots that were already present, they would have prevented new clots from forming. It was determined that a pulmonary embolism had most likely occurred when he blacked out which caused a clot in his leg to break loose. The client must now take Coumadin and pain medications the rest of his life, wear support stockings, get his blood checked every two weeks and follow a special diet. This case was settled just prior to trial for $750,000.00. SPC

Plaintiff struck head-on by an out-of-control vehicle traveling too fast for icy conditions. Plaintiff sustained serious and extensive injuries to her face, head, right hand, left knee, lower back, vision and memory. Settlement was for the defendant's maximum insurance policy limit of $100,000. Efforts made and secured waiver of medical pay lien of client's own coverage so that an extra $50,000 of benefits recovered without any repayment. SH

42-year-old oil field worker sustained physical injuries after a fall at work. Injuries included pulmonary contusions, respiratory failure, a severe fracture with ligament and joint trauma to the right foot, and tibia, fibula, and skull fractures. Additionally, as a result of his head injuries, plaintiff developed bi-polar disorder, experienced loss of consciousness, and is now prone to seizures for which he will need medication for the remainder of his life. Settlement was secured for $159,808. JL

35-year-old factory worker dumping a metal drum sustained serious right shoulder and arm injuries. Petitioner began to experience severe right shoulder pain, elbow cramps, and right lateral wrist pain at the joint line. An MRI displayed a partial width full thickness tear of a tendon in her right shoulder. Petitioner endured several operations, multiple injections and extensive physical therapy. This worker's compensation case was settled for $20,182, based also on such worker's modest pay rate. JH

29-year-old factory worker suffered a severe crushing injury to her right hand after her right arm was caught in a capper. A hand surgeon performed an extensive debridement and irrigation of the right hand, repair of several muscles, microneurosurgical repair of the right index finger and the repair of a deep laceration. Despite extensive physical therapy, the petitioner simply did not regain her strength, stamina and flexibility with her right dominant hand, fingers and arm. Simple personal hygiene tasks are now more difficult for her. Settlement was reached for $19,060. PD

Modest wage earner injured at grain elevator with multiple surgeries. There were considerable medical payments for ankle and finger surgeries paid together with a settlement of 33 1/3% disability and monies for such worker to enter college to complete an undergraduate degree in a pre-medical school curriculum. Excluding medical payments, this worker received $55,700. SE

45 year-old factory painter with five shoulder surgeries and permanent work restrictions. Employer denied the claim stating the worker was injured at home using a power tool. This case settled for $88,000 on the date of trial. KL

Death of county jail inmate for denial of health care while incarcerated. Decedent was a known diabetic and held in county jail for the misdemeanor charge of wrongly taking and hooking up electricity for his family. Jail personnel and consulting physician failed to provide insulin treatment. Decedent suffered from vomiting and dehydration prior to his death. Settlement of $300,000 as to all defendants for the decedent's estate. KS

Severe hip injuries requiring hip replacement to a front seat auto passenger who worked as a prison guard. Defendant's tow truck was blocking the road at midnight while hooking a disabled vehicle just off the roadway shoulder. The driver of the automobile failed to slow down or stop to avoid the collision. Settlement was obtained on the eve of trial for $250,000 by the tow company and $100,000 by the automobile driver. DA

Saleswoman slipped and fell entering hotel elevator. Plaintiff suffered a torn rotator cuff subsequently requiring three surgeries. Trial evidence revealed furniture polish had been wrongfully applied to the hardwood floor. Defendant denied wrongdoing. Jury verdict of $250,000 with 10% contributory negligence to the plaintiff. PH

59-year-old disabled freight car builder's long term disability rights were awarded after first denied. Plaintiff was successful in proving at the Appellate Court level that most benefits were proper and awarded to plaintiff due to ambiguous terms in the contract. CB

24-year-old pregnant factory worker delivered a baby C-section at an Indiana hospital. After birth of the child, she felt fatigued and was diagnosed as having post-partum problems and iron deficiency. A chiropractor took x-rays which showed a foreign object, idenified by him as a belt buckle. CT scan finally revealed the presence of a surgical sponge (38cm) wrongly left in the patient from surgery. A bowel resection was required. Settlement was for $40,000 as to the chiropractor for late diagnosis (his policy limit) and $250,000 from the doctor/hospital. TS

Iron worker proved wage differential from injury lifting 200 pound bollard. No surgery was needed, though petitioner was off work 1 ½ years with return to work with light duty restrictions. Settlement in the amount of $206,000 and payment of all temporary total disability and unpaid medical. JW

58-year-old registered nurse sustained injuries to her left foot after run over by ambulance gurney. She required ORIF with bone grafting but was non-union. She had a second procedure with the addition of plates and screws. She was released to full duties but had difficulty standing and walking. She was awarded 43 ½ % loss of use of her left foot with no return to work for her work injury case. Third party case disputed for negligence of ambulance company settled for $25,000 additional. MB

38-year-old distribution center laborer diagnosed with bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, bilateral ulnar neuropathy and epicondylitis. She had bilateral carpal tunnel surgeries with conservative treatment of the arm. The company had offered $9,000 as a final payment, but a settlement of $19,676 was obtained on the date of trial. CB

Former lineman for a tree trimming company sustained injuries to his left hand requiring two surgeries. His doctor restricted him from returning to his old job if required to use a chainsaw. Petitioner found a job as a police dispatcher at only ½ the wage. Arbitrator awarded wage differential of approximately $276.00 per week, penalties and attorney's fees for delay in payment of medical and TTD benefits. Present cash value of award in excess of $200,000. KD

Factory worker, age 37, injured when lifting at work. She underwent four back surgeries with pre-existing back injuries and was restricted to sedentary work. The case was contested and involved improper communications between the employer and the petitioner's main treating physician. These violations were brought to the attention of the employer, its attorney and the Commission. Settlement of $159,000 for all issues with voluntary termination of employment. DB

Prison inmate death resulted from the institution's indifference to his serious medical needs. Plaintiff complained for nearly a year about severe abdominal pain, dramatic weight loss, and an inability to consume solid food for often 3-4 days at a time. The defendant's omission in providing adequate, emergency medical care caused the plaintiff to suffer and ultimately contributed to the plaintiff's death within 24 hours of the facility finally calling for an ambulance to take the plaintiff to the hospital. Settlement was achieved for $210,000 on the event of a federal trial to commence days later. JM

Severe arm damage sustained after a drill injury. Petitioner suffered an ulnar nerve lesion, ulnar nerve cubital tunnel syndrome and right elbow medial epicondylitis. Petitioner subsequently underwent three surgeries. Petitioner now forced to operate under permanent restrictions of no climbing, drilling with frequent rest breaks, with only light tasks to be performed overhead. This worker's case was settled for 75% loss of use of the right arm and approximately 16.23% loss of person as a whole, or $125,000. M.S.

47-year-old tax professional/office manager falls down a staircase when her pant leg caught on loose tacking. The fall resulted in 20% permanent partial disability to her right, dominant arm, 17 ½% loss of use of the right hand, and 25% loss of use of the right thumb. Total compensation awarded in the amount of $25,860. BE

55-year-old factory worker injured while driving materials from his workplace to another business. Petitioner's van was rear-ended by a vehicle traveling 55 mph. Petitioner sustained a non-displaced fracture of the left wrist, neck and left knee, radiating pain down both legs, and trauma to the lower back rendering him totally disabled. Total compensation recovered in the amount of $95,000. LB

Surgery to correct acute laryngitis botched when a critical nerve was damaged. During surgery the defendant physician injured the plaintiff's laryngeal nerve leaving her permanently injured with difficulties breathing, speaking and swallowing and occasionally with greater physical complications should she get ill. Plaintiff suffered lost wages, medical expenses, physical and emotional trauma. A $253,500 settlement was obtained for her. MS

Plaintiff, a minor, incurred severe and permanent injuries when a bulldozer ran over her hand. Plaintiff was invited by her step-dad to ride with him on a dozer. Plaintiff endured multiple operations and incurred extensive medical bills after she was thrown from the dozer and her hand trampled by dozer track. This case was settled for $170,000. KD

Plaintiff complaining of severe chest pains sent home from emergency room without cardiac tests and later dies. Hospital sent the plaintiff home without administering any cardiac tests even though plaintiff had a known history of cardiac problems to this hospital. Additionally, the hospital did not contact the plaintiff's primary care physician. After being sent home, plaintiff died of a heart attack. $475,000 was secured for this medical malpractice victim. EC Estate

47-year-old warehouse manager lifted televisions and other appliances for many years resulting in injuries to her spine. Petitioner required extensive medical care and has undergone surgeries, injections, and the implantation of spinal cord stimulation and a spinal morphine infusion pump. She has been determined to be disabled from any gainful employment. Total recovery for this client in the amount of $185,000 for her work injuries with protection from all medical liens in excess of $400,000. KB

48-year-old dedicated employee of over 25 years developed right and left carpal tunnel. Petitioner's duties included dumping buckets of water into a parts washer pit and racking back plates into a hopper. Despite surgery and multiple injections, petitioner continues to suffer from pain in her knuckle while performing her job duties, and she has no grip with her thumb creating an inability to consistently maintain a grasp on even light objects. Settlement reached for permanent partial loss of use of 17.5% of the left hand and 15% loss of use of the right hand, or $18,100 plus medical reimbursement. KM

42-year-old woman falls fracturing left ankle and spraining right ankle while at work. Petitioner fell on slick pavement in the course of her employment. Petitioner underwent surgery for her injuries. Total recovery for this client in the amount of $87,500 for her work injuries. EC

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