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Freedman Firm Obtains $1.5 Million for Injured Client

Posted: September 15, 2010

When our client Joe Smith, a construction worker, fell through a weak spot on the top of an old building, his employer chose to deny the accident had happened. Joe was off work for several months following the accident, which severely injured his back. Wanting to work, he tried light duty for a short time before returning to his regular job for almost a year but found he could not continue to work through the excruciating pain.

“At the time he called us he had not been receiving Workers’ Compensation and had been turned away by others,” said Edward Murphy, attorney, Jeffrey Freedman Attorneys at Law. “He eventually began to collect Workers’ Comp benefits while we worked on the accident case and the Labor Law violations that had occurred.”

Joe had already gone through a long period without income, so the firm also helped him obtain Social Security Disability benefits while it was doing the extensive research required to build the personal injury case and charge of unsafe working conditions. During that time, he went through more pain and suffering, requiring surgery.

“In this case the client was only 51-years-old and had at least 15 years of work in front of him,” said Jeffrey Freedman. “This injury prohibited him from working and supporting his family as he had been doing for the past 25 or 30 years. He deserved a better option.”

Murphy was preparing for jury selection when the insurance company for the defendants agreed to settle the claim, agreeing to pay Joe $1.2 million.

“We felt it was a strong case, and, ultimately, the other side agreed,” Murphy said. “It was a lengthy process; however, all of Joe’s medical bills will be taken care of, and he will get a generous lump sum with the remainder of the settlement paid out over the coming years.”

Another attorney from the Freedman firm, Regina Walker, represented the client in a hearing for Social Security Disability benefits. The Administrative Law Judge found our client disabled and eligible for SSD benefits that will total approximately $300,000 in future benefit payments.

His total award, including monthly income related to his personal injury settlement and his Social Security Disability benefits will help Joe and his family continue life much as it was before the accident. However, no amount of money can make up for the pain and suffering he has been through and will continue to experience.

“It’s gratifying to be able to help, particularly when the odds seemed stacked against the individual, and he was beginning to lose hope for his future,” Freedman said.

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