The injured worker suffered industrial cumulative trauma from 12/01/2020 to 12/18/2020 while employed by Woodlake School District. She contracted COVID-19, resulting in health issues such as asthma, arrhythmia, requiring a pacemaker, and hypertension. Her workers’ compensation case was settled through compromise and released for $175,000 on 07/02/2022. Following the settlement of her workers’ compensation case, Silberman & Lam, LLP filed an SIBTF claim. The applicant had preexisting conditions, including valley fever with a lung mass, irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder removal, GERD, migraine headaches, cervical spine stenosis, lumbar disc disease, right hip trochanteric bursitis, and allergic rhinitis. Silberman & Lam, LLP successfully secured a 100% disability award from SIBTF. The injured worker was entitled to back benefits of $25,483.63 and ongoing benefits amounting to $192.98, increasing annually with a cost-of-living adjustment (COLA). Based on average life expectancy, the award has an estimated present value over $500,000.
