An outside salesperson at Russell Stover Candies Inc. experienced a work-related injury, suffering cumulative trauma to both knees over the period from 01/01/1994 to 05/18/2015. As a result of this injury, a settlement was reached through compromise and release, with compensation totaling $65,000.
After the resolution of her workers’ compensation claim, Silberman & Lam, LLP took further action to secure additional benefits for their client. On 12/18/2019, the firm submitted an application to the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF) on behalf of the injured worker. This step was taken due to the worker’s multiple preexisting health conditions, which included bilateral carpal tunnel syndrome, cervical spine issues, plantar fasciitis, chronic headaches, irritable bowel syndrome, hemorrhoids, asthma, skin lesions, gallbladder disorders, and urinary tract infections. The presence of these conditions was a significant factor in the pursuit of SIBTF benefits, as they contributed to the overall disability experienced by the worker.
Following years of hearings and legal proceedings, Silberman & Lam, LLP, obtained a 100% disability award from SIBTF for their client. The injured worker received back benefits amounting to $274,609, along with ongoing weekly payments of $1,221 that are adjusted annually to reflect the cost of living (COLA), for the rest of their life. Based on average life expectancy, the current value of this award is estimated at $1,500,000.
