The injured worker suffered an industrial injury to her right hip and lumbar spine on 03/16/2016, during her employment as an office services supervisor at CSP Corcoran. In addition to these injuries, she developed hypertension and bladder problems because of her work-related condition. Following this incident, her injuries were resolved through stipulations, resulting in 33% permanent disability. Subsequently, 07/14/2017, the worker sustained a second industrial injury at her workplace. This injury affected her psychological health, digestive system, caused migraines, and resulted in gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). The consequences of this subsequent injury led to another settlement by stipulations, with an award of 57% permanent disability.
After the resolution of her workers’ compensation claims, Silberman & Lam, LLP took further steps on her behalf by applying for benefits from the Subsequent Injury Benefits Trust Fund (SIBTF). This application was initiated due to the presence of several preexisting health conditions that the worker had prior to her industrial injuries. These conditions included chronic sinusitis and nasal allergies, as well as pain in her left hip, both shoulders, feet, and cervical spine.
Through hard work and multiple hearings, Silberman & Lam, LLP successfully secured a 100% disability rating from SIBTF for the injured worker. As a result, he was entitled to retroactive benefits of $62,627.44 and ongoing weekly payments amounting to $777.55, with annual increases tied to cost-of-living adjustments (COLA). This award has an estimated present value in excess of $1,000,000 based on average life expectancy.
