Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Partner Celine Vitale recently secured a workers’ compensation settlement for a client who was rendered totally and permanently disabled after being exposed to COVID-19 on the job.
As court records show, Celine’s client was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, a lung disease that occurs when lung tissue becomes damaged and scarred. Lung damage caused by pulmonary fibrosis makes it difficult for the lungs to work properly and cannot be repaired.
While workers’ compensation cases involving workers who suffer injuries and illnesses as a result of being exposed to COVID-19 present many challenges, Celine was able to effectively litigate this case and secure a positive resolution for her client. She did this by collaborating closely with medical professionals about the scope of her client’s illness and its causal connection to their COVID exposure, and by meticulously preparing the claim for trial in the event that the insurance company chose to pay any less than 100% disability plus lifetime medical benefits.
Fortunately, she was ultimately able to convince the insurance company that her client’s diagnosis was causally related to his work-related COVID exposure and obtain a negotiated settlement that will provide her client with over $50,000 per year guaranteed for the rest of her life.
Celine M. Vitale is a Levinson Axelrod, P.A. Partner who has spent more than 20 years of her professional career fighting for plaintiffs and claimants in a range of personal injury, workers’ compensation, and Social Security disability matters. With her personalized approach and trial skills, she’s helped clients across New Jersey recover millions in compensation and benefits.