A worker suffered an industrial injury with cumulative trauma from 02/21/1984 to 05/08/2015 as a lineman at Pacific Bell, which affected his cervical spine, lumbar spine, bilateral shoulder, and right knee. He also suffered from hypertension and gastritis due to the injury. This was settled by compromise and release for $240,000 on 09/29/2020.
After his workers compensation claim was settled, the injured worker was then referred to Silberman & Lam, LLP to file a subsequent injury benefits trust fund, SIBTF. The injured worker had preexisting health conditions such as headache, sexual disorder, inguinal hernia, bilateral wrist, thoracic spine, left knee, and GAF.
Through thorough litigation and couple hearings, Silberman & Lam, LLP was able to obtain an award of 100% disability against SIBTF on 09/11/2024. The injured worker was entitled to back benefits of $327,070 along with ongoing weekly benefits of $1,233.48 increasing annually plus cost-of-living adjustments. Based on average life expectancy, the award has an estimated present value over $800,000.
