A routine task at work should never cost someone their health, their independence, or their ability to earn a living. However, for one woman working at a shipping warehouse, that is exactly what happened.
For years, she had built a reputation as dependable, strong, and resilient. She was the kind of employee who showed up, did the work, and never complained. She was physically fit, active, and proud of her independence. As a widow with no children to rely on, her job at a shipping company was not just work. It was her livelihood, her stability, and her future.
When that was taken from her, she did exactly what injured workers are supposed to do: she asked for help.
Attorney Ryan LeBlanc and Case Manager Marcy Huckabee of Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers stepped up to fight for her. After four years of litigation, hearings, and hard decisions, they secured a $900,000 workers’ compensation recovery that acknowledged the full scope of what this injury took from her.
A Routine Task with Devastating Consequences
The injury happened during a normal workday at a shipping company. While lifting a heavy box, she felt a sudden “pop” in her back, a sensation she immediately knew was not right.
She sought treatment right away and came to Joye Law Firm Injury Lawyers early, understanding instinctively that something life-altering had occurred. At the time, no one could have predicted just how far-reaching the consequences would be.
She began conservative treatment, including physical therapy and injections to reduce pain and inflammation. Despite months of effort trying to recover, her symptoms only persisted and worsened. She and her care team ultimately realized that surgery was unavoidable.
Spinal Fusion Surgery has Unexpected Complications
She underwent spinal fusion surgery, a serious procedure that permanently changes the structure of the spine. While the workers’ compensation-authorized physician did their best, complications are always a possibility in surgical procedures. Unfortunately, she experienced complications that would alter her life in ways she never anticipated.
Following surgery, she began experiencing bladder dysfunction, which was ultimately diagnosed as neurogenic bladder. This condition affects the nerves that control bladder function and can cause incontinence, retention, and significant quality-of-life issues.
As her condition progressed, one reality became unavoidable: she could not return to work. This was not someone nearing retirement or planning to step away from the workforce. She was a widow who relied entirely on her income. She had no children to help support her and no safety net to fall back on. So much of her identity was wrapped up in her job title, one she’d proudly held for years. Now, the physical pain, medical setbacks, and future uncertainty weighed heavily.
The contrast between her life before the injury and after was stark. Before the accident, she was physically fit, active, and self-sufficient. Afterward, she faced chronic pain, permanent limitations, and serious complications affecting basic bodily functions.
The Fight the Insurance Company Didn’t Expect
Attorney Ryan LeBlanc immediately worked to ensure that her neurogenic bladder condition was included in her workers’ comp claim since it arose directly from the surgery needed due to her original work injury. The insurance carrier attempted to argue that the bladder condition was unrelated, separate from her back injury, and outside the scope of workers’ compensation responsibility. They denied coverage for this condition entirely.
The insurance carrier’s first offer was an insulting low $80,000.
As time passed and evidence mounted, their offer gradually increased, eventually reaching $200,000 by the end of mediation. For many injured workers, that amount would feel impossible to turn down. However, it did not account for her permanent disability.
Atty. LeBlanc knew his client deserved more. Even the insurance company’s “best” offer did not reflect her lost ability to work, the seriousness of her bladder complications, or the lifelong medical care she would need. Most importantly, it fell woefully short in providing security for a woman who had her only source of income taken from her.
So, the legal team made a difficult but critical decision. Rather than accept an inadequate settlement offer, they bravely chose to move forward, demanding a hearing before a workers’ compensation commissioner.
Through detailed medical analysis and expert testimony, Attorney LeBlanc flawlessly demonstrated how his client’s neurogenic bladder was not a separate condition. It stemmed directly from her spinal injury and surgical complications following the original lifting accident.
The commissioner agreed, finding that the bladder dysfunction was part of the overall compensable injury. That decision fundamentally changed the case, significantly increasing its value and shifting the leverage.
$900,000 Recovery and Long-Term Protection
The favorable decision of the Workers’ Compensation Commission marked the culmination of four years of hard-fought litigation, including depositions, hearings, and mediations, all guided by a firm’s refusal to accept anything less than full accountability.
The case ultimately resolved for $900,000, structured to protect both her present and future needs:
- $700,000 toward her total disability award
- $200,000 allocated for future medical care through a Medicare Set-Aside arrangement
This structure ensures compliance with Medicare requirements while preserving access to future treatment related to her injury.
For a woman who lost her career, her independence, and her physical health through no fault of her own, the settlement provided long-overdue security.
If you’ve been hurt at work and are facing denied conditions, permanent limitations, or pressure to accept a quick settlement, you deserve an advocate who will stand firm when it matters most.
Just Call Joye for a free consultation and learn how our team can help protect your future when a workplace injury changes your life.
Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
