Workers' Compensation

S.F. v. LOMA LINDA UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CENTER

Orthopedic (back) and psychiatric injury sustained as a result of performing job duties as an operating room technician.

CASE DESCRIPTION:

S.F. was an operating room technician at Loma Linda University Medical Center for several years.  While performing her job duties she was bending over  to place an instrument tray in the sink and was unable to straighten up sustaining an industrial injury to her low back.  Thereafter due to continuous severe low back pain and taking numerous medications in an attempt to control it, she became depressed and  suffered a psychiatric injury in addition to her low back injury.

RESULT:  $725,374.12 cash value with a total annuity value of $1,612,686.00.

The injured worker underwent several low back operations and a multidisciplinary pain management program was necessary to wean her off medications, control her depression and cope with the pain.

SETTLEMENT NEGOTIATIONS:

At the mandatory settlement conference the case was set for trial in April of 2006. 

Before the trial date her workers' compensation case settled by compromise and release.

APPLICANT/PLAINTIFFS age at the time of settlement: 46

OCCUPATION:  Operating room technician

APPLICANT/PLAINTIFFS ATTORNEY:
Edward Jesse Hegel of
Lunetto and Hegel

DEFENSE ATTORNEY:
Robert L. Dally of
The Law Offices of Robert Dally