Rich Marcolus, a Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Shareholder from our Belford office, recently secured a six-figure workers’ compensation settlement for a client who was injured in a fall at work.
As case records show, Rich represented a man who injured his right shoulder and right hip in a fall that occurred in the course of his employment. The client was required to undergo surgery on his right shoulder and a course of physical therapy for his hip fracture. Due to his injuries, he was unable to return to work as a warehouseman.
After a workers’ compensation claim was filed, the defendant’s workers’ compensation insurer argued that our client’s need for shoulder surgery was the result of his pre-existing arthritis and not due to his fall at work. The insurer made an initial offer to settle the case for $113,000 and did not increase the offer. Ultimately, a conference before the Judge of Compensation was held, during which Rich was able to effectively connect his clients’ injuries and treatment to his work-related injury.
Following the conference, Rich was able to secure a settlement totaling $180,600, which was approximately 60% more than the insurer’s initial offer. The settlement also provides our client with the right to reopen the case for future compensation and/or treatment if necessary.
Rich Marcolus is a Partner at Levinson Axelrod, P.A. He is a New Jersey Supreme Court Certified Workers’ Compensation Specialist and current union member (NRCC Carpenters Local #253 Union) who once earned his living as a carpenter in construction. Rich has leveraged his wealth of experience and insight to help workers across the state secure millions of dollars in compensation and needed benefits. Earlier this year, he earned his 17th selection to the New Jersey Super Lawyers list.