Our client lived and worked in country NSW. He had spent his entire working life working as a maintenance carpenter for various Government departments. Several years ago, he suffered a very serious injury to his back. On this occasion, he was directed to load a truck with equipment needed for a job. No assistance was provided and he was required to do a number of heavy lifts of various items onto the truck. Whilst attempting one lift, he felt a sharp pain in his back extending down to his foot. In fact, his leg gave way.
Having reported the accident, he attended his GP who diagnosed sciatica. He underwent various investigations including MRI scanning where disc damage to his spine was finally diagnosed. Initially, the specialist suggested conservative treatment. He underwent special spinal injections which only offered short-term relief. Eventually, he went under the surgeon’s knife. Initially, this surgery did help but unfortunately, as a result of the surgery, he developed “foot drop”. Over the following months and years, he struggled to return to work. He did his best but has been left with pain and weakness in his back, foot and leg. Painkilling medication was needed on a daily basis to get him through the days work, but eventually, he came to further surgery which involved a fusion of his ankle and a lengthening of his Achilles tendon and a tendon transfer.
After more rehabilitation, he attempted to get back to work. He has performed various light-duty tasks with his employer. Ultimately he was given a choice; if he wanted to keep working he would somehow have to get back to doing his full-time maintenance work. Being “old school” and determined not to let his injuries and disabilities destroy his work, he has gotten back to doing maintenance work. Needless to say, he has to be very careful. He relies on his co-workers to do heavy lifts and because of his ongoing leg and back problems, he can’t work from ladders or scaffolds. He needs pain medication to get him through his days’ work. At home, most of his leisure time is spent resting. He can’t mow the lawns and jobs that were never a problem now can’t be attempted, such as painting the house and doing repairs from ladders.
HOW TAYLOR & SCOTT COMPENSATION LAWYERS HELPED
Eventually, he turned to the experts in compensation and negligence claims here at Taylor & Scott for advice and assistance. Michelle Meigan, Senior Associate and expert in work injury damages claims, provided advice. Michelle had her client assessed by medical specialists to determine his whole person impairment. It was greater than 15% and so Michelle was able to advise her client to commence a work injury damages claim to seek a lump sum payment to compensate him for the loss of income that he was suffering and would suffer right up to his retirement.
We are pleased to report that following the commencement of the work injury damages claim, Michelle was able to negotiate a substantial lump sum payment to her client compensating him for his financial losses.
TAYLOR & SCOTT’S OFFER TO YOU
If you or someone you know suffer an injury at work which results in ongoing pain and impacts on your ability to work, you are welcome to meet with one of our expert compensation negligence specialist lawyers for a free case assessment. At this free case assessment, our team will advise you of your rights and explain to you the various options open to you to receive Maximum Compensation. If Taylor & Scott act for you, your claim will be run on a no-win/no-pay basis, meaning you do not pay Taylor & Scott any costs whatsoever unless and until you win your case.
Please contact us by phoning 1800 600 664 or email us at info@tayscott.com.au. You can rely on our team of expert compensation lawyers here at Taylor & Scott Lawyers to ensure that you receive Maximum Compensation for your injuries.
At Taylor & Scott, We Care For You.
