Our client had instructed us after her weekly compensation payments were ceased. She had other solicitors who were acting for her however, lacking in confidence with the other firm of solicitors, she attended our office for second opinion.
Having been satisfied with advice given and plan of action to be taken to retrieve weekly worker compensation payments, our client then had her file transferred to our office immediately.
We then set to work by having this injured worker re-assessed to determine any further impairment to her injury. It was determined that she had a further 3% whole person impairment in accordance with the medico-legal assessor.
Following the advice from their legal representatives the insurer was only prepared to pay her a small amount in lump sum compensation for the further impairment only. The insurer offered no compensation for loss of wages or medical expenses.
Being reluctant to take the proceedings any further, our client indicated that she would accept a small lump sum for the further impairment by the insurer. However, it was following our urging and advice that she proceeded with the case. Her claim was then listed for a conciliation/arbitration.
Having prepared the matter comprehensibly, the insurer’s legal representatives had no option but to offer monies not only for the impairment but also past weekly compensation and medical expenses.
Prior to the conciliation/arbitration, the insurer offered no more than $9,500.00 for settlement. At the conciliation/arbitration, we settled for $50,000.00.
With perseverance and the will to fight, we had achieved five times the amount in compensation for our client to what the insurer was prepared to initially offer.
