Injured Worker receives $150,000 in lost workers compensation weekly payments.
Our client was employed as a veterinarian. On the date of injury, she was lifting a heavy dog onto the bed causing her to suffer an injury to her back. Our client did not realise how significant the injury was until weeks later when the pain increased, and she had to stop working. Our client reported the injury to the Workers Compensation insurer; however her claim was declined with a Section 74 notice. The insurer alleged that work was not the substantial contributing factor to her injury. Our client was out of work for 1.5 years and was still totally unfit for work. She also required fusion surgery which the insurer refused to pay for.
The injured worker consulted the expert Workers Compensation lawyers at One Law Group who applied for a grant of funding from the Workers Independent Review Office(WIRO) to fight the insurer’s decision. Expert evidence was obtained which proved that the back injury was work related and the surgery was required as a result of the accident at work. Reports from her treating doctor were also obtained.
An application with all the evidence was provided to the insurer. The insurer reviewed all the evidence and revoked the Section 74 notice. Our client was paid all her lost wages. The insurer also paid for the fusion surgery which cost approximately $50,000. The insurer continues to pay weekly compensation and medical treatment expenses.
Our client will also be entitled to a lump sum payout for permanent impairment. A claim in negligence will also be made against the employer for an unsafe system of work. Also, as the injuries are serious, and our client has not been able to return to work for more than six months, a claim against her superfund has been made to access her Total and Permanent Disability benefit which is worth $1 million.
