A Catastrophic Injury on the Job
On July 24, 2018, the life of the client, a 43-year-old construction professional, changed in an instant. While working on a job site in Franklin Park, Illinois, he suffered a severe post-volar laceration to his right wrist.
The injury was catastrophic for a manual laborer. The accident resulted in severed multiple flexor tendons and significant damage to both the median and ulnar nerves. He required immediate, complex surgery involving tendon repair and neurolysis of the right wrist to attempt to restore function to his hand.
The Employer’s Attempt to Evade Responsibility
While the client was recovering from surgery, a new problem emerged—one arguably more stressful than the physical pain. The medical bills for his surgeries and ongoing therapy began arriving in his mailbox, addressed personally to him.
The insurance company was refusing to pay. Why? Because the construction company he worked for had denied that he was their employee.
They attempted to classify him as a non-employee to avoid liability for the accident. This left the client facing tens of thousands of dollars in medical debt while unable to work, with an employer trying to wash their hands of the situation.
Proving the Truth Through Documentation
When the case came to our office, the strategy was clear: we had to prove the employment relationship existed.
Jack Epstein’s legal team immediately launched an investigation into the company’s records. We did not accept the employer’s word. Instead, we gathered the necessary documentation to prove that the client was, effectively and legally, hired under that specific company. We reconstructed the employment history and presented undeniable proof that the injury occurred within the scope of his employment.
A Victory for Worker’s Rights
Once we established the employment relationship, the defense collapsed. We forced the insurance company to accept liability for the claim.
The result was a total victory for the client. We secured a $200,000 settlement for his permanent injuries. Furthermore, we ensured that the insurance carrier paid for all past medical treatments and physical therapies, removing the financial burden from the client’s shoulders completely.
Proven Experience in Every Illinois Case
“Jack Epstein, with 30 years of experience in the Illinois legal market, personally oversaw the case to ensure the employer was held accountable.”
“The client paid nothing until we won the case.”
