FORT LAUDERDALE — Managing Partner of Workers' Compensation in Fort Lauderdale, Salisu "Sal" Richardson, recently obtained a significant victory for an employer/carrier in a workers' compensation case, successfully navigating a complex situation involving shifting allegations and ultimately securing a complete denial of all claims.

Overview of the Case:

The case involved a longstanding employee who initially alleged a repetitive trauma injury. The claim was initially accepted by the judge on a 120-day "pay and investigate" basis. However, after conducting thorough discovery, including depositions, the defense team filed a Motion for Summary Final Order. This motion resulted in the dismissal of the initial repetitive trauma claims, prompting the employee to change legal representation and alter their claim strategy. 

With new counsel, the plaintiff shifted their allegation from a repetitive trauma injury to a specific accident occurring on a specific date. In support of this new claim, the plaintiff sought an independent orthopedic medical examination (IME), as did the defendant.

Key Difference-Makers:

• Trial Participants:

  • Salisu "Sal" Richardson - Managing Partner of Workers' Compensation - Fort Lauderdale Hub

• Support Staff

  • David Mitchell - Associate Attorney
  • Jonathan Hallauer - Paralegal 
  • Dekesha Davis - Paralegal 

Claims Made Against Our Client:

Initially, the plaintiff claimed a repetitive trauma injury, seeking compensation for injuries to the neck, back, and upper extremities. After their initial claim was denied, they changed their strategy to allege a particular accident, seeking temporary total/temporary partial disability benefits, attorney's fees, and costs.

Defense Strategy:

Richardson, with support from his team, focused on highlighting inconsistencies in the employee's claims and medical history. He presented evidence of contradictory statements made by the employee to different medical professionals, including the IME physician, as well as discrepancies between those statements and the employee's trial testimony, which the judge found evasive.

Impact on Final Outcome:

The judge ruled in favor of the defendant, denying all claims in their entirety. The court found that the plaintiff failed to prove the alleged accident occurred, emphasizing the inconsistencies and contradictions in their various accounts.

Predicting the Future:

This win demonstrates QPWB's ability to effectively navigate complex workers' compensation cases involving shifting allegations and achieve favorable outcomes for clients. The firm's strategic approach, combined with its attorneys' deep understanding of workers' compensation law and keen attention to detail, ensures that clients facing similar challenges receive strong and effective representation.

About QPWB:

Quintairos, Prieto, Wood & Boyer, P.A., is the largest minority and women-owned law firm in the nation. QPWB serves a diverse range of industries with over 100 areas of practice, providing expert representation for businesses and their leaders in litigation, regulatory, and corporate matters.