Man Paralyzed on the Job Returns Home After Five-Year Workers’ Compensation Battle

 Posted on May 19, 2016 in Workers' Compensation

A California man has spent the last five years in hospitals and assisted living centers instead of at home with his family after being paralyzed in a trucking accident. The reason? The workers’ compensation insurance that should have paid to have his home renovated appealed three different times instead of funding the updates that would have made it possible for him to live at home full-time.

A Five-Year Battle

When he woke up after the accident, the first thing the man could think about was whether or not he had injured anyone else when his truck crashed. He gave no thought to his own circumstances, despite being rendered a quadriplegic – just the well-being of others on the road. So, when he was told that he was the only one injured in the crash, he was able to accept his medical fate with grace. What he was not able to accept was living in an assisted living facility an hour away from his family.

According to reports, the man’s workers’ compensation insurance company went broke shortly after the accident and the state agency, California Insurance Guarantee Association (CIGA) took over the case. Despite being ordered to pay to have the renovations to man's home covered, CIGA appealed three different times. It was not until a news organization got involved that the family started to feel as though progress was being made.

Despite a Satisfactory Outcome for One Man, Many Others Continue to Fight

Five years after the accident, and just as many years fighting for the needed renovations, the injured worker's home has finally received the updates it needed to compensate for his medical needs. He was able to go home and spend time with the family he loved. But his case and situation are not uncommon, and there are many others out there fighting to receive the coverage they need.

The offices of Kinnally Flaherty Krentz Loran Hodge & Masur, P.C. advocate for those who have been injured on the job and work hard to ensure they receive the compensation they deserve. Skilled, knowledgeable, and experienced in the complexities of workers’ compensation laws, we can help you navigate the process and will do everything we can to help you rebuild your life. Get started today. Call 630-907-0909 and schedule your free initial consultation with our Kane County workers’ compensation attorneys.

Sources:

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/Workers-Compensation-Insurance-CIGA-379251311.html

http://www.nbclosangeles.com/investigations/Wheelchair-bound-man-says-hes-trapped-in-care-home-290275791.html