Following a recent six-figure settlement for an injured sales rep, Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Attorney Celine Vitale has strung together a series of successful workers’ compensation recoveries for other injured workers – including two six-figure settlements and two Total Disability findings.
Celine’s recent case results are as follows:
1. $216,800 Settlement for Injured Electrical Contractor
Celine recovered a six-figure settlement for a communications installer who was injured on the job. According to court records, Celine’s client had been moving Masonite in the course of his employment with Unity Electric when he injured his low back. He underwent surgery consisting of a lateral inter-body fusion at the L4-5 and L5-S1 vertebrae and continues to suffer from residual anxiety and depression because of his injuries.
Celine was ultimately able to negotiate a $216,810 settlement, which is equivalent to 55% PPT.
2. Total Disability Finding with Second Injury Fund
Celine represented a lead cook for a food service company who was injured after she was struck by falling supplies. Celine’s client suffered injuries to her neck and back, including an aggravation of a prior C3-4 and C5-6 disc protrusion. She underwent surgery that included fusion at the C5-6 and C6-7 vertebrae, a L4-5 lumbar laminectomy with foraminotomy and decompression, and a posterior lumbar fusion for thoracic disc herniations and L5-C7 radiculopathy.
Celine was ultimately able to obtain a Total Disability finding for her client with the Second Injury Fund, a state-administered fund that covers benefits for workers who become totally disabled due to workplace injuries that aggravate preexisting injuries.
3. $246,000 Settlement for Truck Driver Who Slipped on Ice
In her third successfully settled case, Celine represented a truck driver who slipped and fell on ice. Due to his injuries, Celine’s client underwent surgery consisting of a C3-7 posterior cervical decompressive laminectomy with bilateral foraminotomies. He also suffered a lumbar strain and continues to suffer from residual anxiety and depression.
The $246,240 settlement is the equivalent of 60% PPT.
4. 100% Total Permanent Disability Award
Celine was able to secure an award for 100% Total Permanent Disability for a client who suffered injuries while working as a delivery driver for a health care company. Celine’s client underwent a cervical fusion surgery at the C4-5, C5-6 and C6-7 vertebrae, arthroscopic repair for labral and rotator cuff tears in his right shoulder, and a arthroscopic medial meniscectomy with synovectomy and chondroplasty for his right knee.
Thanks to this settlement, Celine’s client is entitled to receive weekly workers’ compensation benefits for the rest of his life.
Celine M. Vitale is an Associate at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. with nearly 20 years of experience representing plaintiffs and claimants in a range of personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability claims. With her personalized approach and trial skills, she’s helped clients across New Jersey recover millions in compensation.