Chuck Pappas, a Framingham injury lawyer, secured a total recovery of $160,000 on behalf of a bus driver who was seriously injured while operating her vehicle in the course of her employment. The collision occurred when another motorist ran a red light and violently struck her bus in a T-bone style crash within an intersection. The forceful side-impact caused significant lumbar spine injuries, including a lumbar strain and a herniated disc confirmed by MRI imaging.
Following the crash, our client underwent extensive conservative treatment, including multiple courses of physical therapy and a series of epidural steroid injections in an effort to control her pain and avoid surgical intervention. Due to the severity of her symptoms, she was unable to return to work.
Successful Workers’ Compensation Litigation – $60,000 Lump Sum Settlement
Because the accident occurred during the course of her employment, our client was entitled to workers’ compensation benefits under Massachusetts law. While the workers’ compensation insurer initially paid weekly disability benefits and covered medical treatment, it arbitrarily terminated her ongoing disability payments during the midst of care.
Attorney Pappas acted immediately by filing an Employee’s Claim for Benefits and aggressively litigating the matter before the Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents. Through strategic advocacy and thorough preparation, he secured a $60,000 lump sum settlement, ensuring continued financial support for his client in light of her work-related disability.
Full Policy Limits Recovered from All Available Insurance Coverage
Attorney Pappas did not stop at workers’ compensation benefits. Recognizing the availability of third-party liability coverage, he pursued a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver’s auto insurance carrier. Through diligent negotiation and a detailed presentation of liability and damages, he secured the full bodily injury policy limits of $50,000.
After confirming that the negligent driver’s insurance coverage was insufficient to fully compensate his client, Attorney Pappas conducted a comprehensive review of all potential insurance sources. He then pursued an Underinsured Motorist (UIM) claim through his client’s own auto insurance policy. Once again, he obtained the full $50,000 in available UIM coverage, maximizing her total recovery.
Comprehensive Advocacy That Maximized Recovery
By carefully coordinating both the workers’ compensation and third-party claims, Attorney Pappas ensured that no avenue of compensation was overlooked. His thorough investigation of insurance coverage, aggressive litigation before the Department of Industrial Accidents, and skilled negotiation with multiple insurance carriers resulted in a combined $160,000 recovery for his client.
This case demonstrates Attorney Pappas’ deep understanding of Massachusetts workers’ compensation law, third-party liability claims, and underinsured motorist coverage – as well as his unwavering commitment to protecting injured workers and maximizing every available source of compensation.
We understand that being hurt on the job can be extremely stressful. After a serious injury, you may not only be losing time at work and your paycheck, but you may require extensive medical treatment which can be costly. You are probably concerned about how you are going to provide for yourself and your family and how you are going to cover the cost and expense of your treatment. These are completely valid concerns. Injured workers in these positions need the help of an experienced Massachusetts workers’ compensation attorney.
A work accident isn't something most think about often until it happens to them. This is why injured workers typically have many questions and concerns after being seriously injured on the job. If you were hurt at work, you should have a good understanding of the workers’ compensation process and benefits available in Massachusetts. The experienced workers’ compensation lawyers at Mahaney & Pappas, LLP, are here to help you during this difficult time.