The injured worker, employed as a detective for the City of Los Angeles, sustained a work-related lumbar injury on April 17, 2017. Following this incident, the case was initially resolved through a stipulation agreement, which recognized the injury as resulting in 18% permanent disability as of September 17, 2021. Subsequently, the case was reopened due to ongoing issues related to the same lumbar injury. Upon further review and assessment, the permanent disability rating was increased to 52%, reflecting the continuing impact of the injury on the worker’s health and capacity for employment.
Following the resolution of his workers’ compensation case, Silberman & Lam, LLP submitted an application for Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) on his behalf, citing preexisting health conditions including headaches, bilateral lower extremity issues, tinnitus, and traumatic brain injury (TBI).
After years of dedicated advocacy, Silberman & Lam, LLP secured a 100% disability award from the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) for the injured worker. This achievement entitled the worker to significant financial compensation, including back benefits totaling $249,257. In addition to the lump sum, the award provides ongoing weekly payments of $1,281, which are subject to annual cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). The present value of this award, based on average life expectancy, is estimated to exceed $2,100,000.
