From Rejection to Resolution
The case began with a dedicated 79-year-old employee who continued to work a physically demanding job in the cleaning industry to support herself. Employed through a temporary staffing agency in Bolingbrook, she earned a modest weekly wage of $450. When she suffered a debilitating shoulder injury on the job, she faced an uphill battle against a system that often overlooks older workers and those employed through third-party agencies.
For nearly three years, the insurance carrier and the employer navigated a complex web of liability, attempting to delay the resolution of the claim. The employee found herself caught between the staffing agency and the facility where the injury occurred, a common tactic used to dilute responsibility in workers’ compensation cases. However, the legal right to compensation does not disappear simply because an employee is hired through an agency or has reached an advanced age.
Inside the Industrial Accident
In July 2022, the injured worker was performing her routine cleaning duties when the accident occurred. While attempting to reach cleaning supplies placed in an awkward, elevated position, she was forced to overextend her arm significantly. This excessive extension created a violent strain on her shoulder joint, resulting in immediate and severe pain that signaled a major articular injury.
The impact was both physical and financial for the warehouse worker. At 79, a shoulder injury isn’t just a temporary setback; it is a life-altering event that threatens the ability to perform basic daily tasks and maintain employment. Despite the immediate report of the injury, the path to obtaining the necessary medical treatment was filled with administrative hurdles and constant questioning from the insurance adjusters.
Turning Strategy Into Justice
Jack Epstein’s legal team analyzed every medical report and gathered credible documentation to build an undeniable case for the plaintiff. The strategy focused on two critical fronts: establishing clear liability under the Illinois staffing agency laws and proving that the injury was a direct result of the workplace activity rather than “age-related wear and tear,” as the defense attempted to suggest.
Our firm assumed representation and immediately took control of the disorganized medical billing process. We compiled an exhaustive “Bills List” that captured every cent of the treatment for the right shoulder, ensuring that no medical provider was left unpaid. By documenting the exact mechanism of the injury—the overextension of the arm—we successfully linked the fall in functional capacity directly to the workplace incident. Jack Epstein, with 30 years of experience in the Illinois legal market, personally oversaw the negotiations to ensure the insurer treated this 79-year-old worker with the respect she deserved.
Settlement That Restored Stability
After years of persistent litigation and high-stakes negotiation, the legal team secured a final settlement of $140,049.02. This result was particularly significant as it represented more than 300 times the worker’s weekly salary, providing a substantial safety net for her future. The agreement ensured that all outstanding medical bills were settled in full and that the worker would not be burdened by the costs of her recovery.
The resolution of this case in August 2025 marked the end of a long period of uncertainty for the client. The final settlement amount reflected not just the medical costs, but the permanent impact the injury had on her life. Because the client paid nothing until we won the case, she was able to pursue justice without the stress of upfront legal fees during her three-year wait for a resolution.
Proven Experience in Every Illinois Case:
“Jack Epstein, with 30 years of experience in the Illinois legal market, personally oversaw the case.”
“The client paid nothing until we won the case.”
Final CTA:
If your workers’ compensation claim has been denied or delayed, our Illinois legal team can help you recover what you rightfully deserve.
Conclusion:
They said her age made the injury “inevitable.” We proved their negligence made it happen. At 79 years old, this worker turned a $450 paycheck into a $140,049 victory. No worker is too old for justice.
