Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Partner Celine Vitale recently settled three separate workers’ compensation claims for clients of our Belford office. All settlements were amounted to six-figure recoveries.
Celine’s recent results are as follows:
1. $225,000 Settlement for Essential Worker Widow
Celine recovered a six-figure settlement for the widow of an essential worker who contracted COVID at work and subsequently died as a result. The case was resolved after extensive discovery and negotiations for a total settlement of $225,000.
This claim, which follows another COVID-related workers’ compensation case in which Celine obtained lifetime benefits for a COVID-exposed worker who developed pulmonary fibrosis, was made possible by a New Jersey workers’ compensation presumption that alleviates essential workers seeking benefits for COVID from having to prove a work-related connection, which is exceedingly difficult given the transmissibility of the disease.
You can learn more about New Jersey’s essential worker COVID presumption here.
2. $294,450 Settlement for Trench Worker
Celine successfully resolved a heavily litigated workers’ compensation claim for a client who was struck in the head by a vehicle while working in a trench. Our client suffered multiple orthopedic injuries, including a neck injury that necessitated a cervical discectomy, decompression, and fusion surgery, a lumbar strain and bulging disc, and a head injury resulting in post-concussion syndrome, anxiety, and depression.
Ultimately, Celine was able to overcome challenges raised by the defense to obtain a 65% Permanent Partial Total (PPT) disability rating for her client, equating to a settlement value of $294,450.
3. $212,500 Settlement for Orthopedic Injuries
Celine represented a worker who injured himself while performing excessive stretching, pulling, pushing, and lifting on the job. His injuries were orthopedic in nature and included a cervical sprain with disc protrusion that required medial branch blocks and cervical discectomy and fusion surgery, and a shoulder injury that required arthroscopy with debridement and arthroscopic clavicle resection.
Through extensive settlement negotiations, Celine was able to obtain a 65% Permanent Partial Total (PPT) disability rating for her client, which equated to a $212,500 settlement.
Celine M. Vitale is Levinson Axelrod, P.A. with a proven record of success litigating personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability claims across New Jersey. Backed by over 20 years of experience, she has recovered millions of dollars in compensation and benefits for clients.