Frequently Asked Question Friday!!!

Why Must I Report My Injury?

Your employer has a legal right to know about your injury. If you delay or fail to notify your employer of your injury, you may lose your right to receive compensation. Therefore, even if your injury does not at first appear to be serious, the event/injury should be reported immediately.

Horwitz attorney, Tyler Berberich states, "When reporting your injury, be specific about what part(s) of your body are hurt and what work activity you were doing that caused your injury.  The details about your accident may become very important if your claim is denied and a good description of your accident to your employer and/or on a written accident report can go a long way in getting your benefits."

Questions about your injury? Call 800-594-7433 or find more information on our website.

Horwitz Gets Clients Outstanding Results!

Horwitz attorney Mark Weissburg successfully defends client against false accusation of fraud

In another victory for workers’ rights, Horwitz partner Mark Weissburg has successfully defended an injured worker from accusations that he had committed fraud. His employer, ABF Freight, alleged that by attempting to return to work while collecting Workers’ Compensation benefits, the worker was somehow committing fraud. The arbitrator rejected this accusation, noting that “a claimant’s earning of occasional wages does not preclude a payment of [Workers’ Compensation temporary total disability benefits].” Because the few days of work “did not establish a stable labor market and because Petitioner continued to have restrictions from his doctor, his entitlement to temporary total disability for that period was not interrupted . . .”.  The arbitrator further found that ABF Freight “failed to show any statement by Petitioner that was both intentional and fraudulent,” and therefore rejected the fraud claim.

In the same decision the arbitrator agreed with Weissburg’s argument that to be certified under the act a vocational expert needed to be a Certified Rehabilitation Counselor. As a result, the opinions from ABF Freight’s expert, a Certified Case Manager, were not admitted into evidence and not considered.

The case is Fretts v. ABF Freight Systems, Inc., 09 WC 16718 (11/8/2012).

Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates continues to fight for its clients by arguing existing law and making new law beneficial to injured workers throughout the state of Illinois. If you want to be represented by the people who are willing to fight for your rights, call us today at 800-594-7433 or visit our website.

Bayer Verdict Press - Chicago Tribune

Horwitz Wins One of the Largest Personal Injury Verdicts in US History for Quadriplegic Iron Worker

Contact:                                                                                  FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Jeanette Kiekbusch                                                                 November 15, 2012

Marketing Director

312.372.8822

Jeanette@horwitzlaw.com

Chicago Firm Horwitz, Horwitz, and Associates Wins One of the Largest Personal Injury Verdicts in US History for Quadriplegic Iron Worker

Almost half of $64 million verdict allocated to future medical expenses caused by unsafe work conditions

On Wednesday, November 14th at approximately 4:00 pm, a Cook County jury awarded one of the largest personal injury verdicts in the nation. The case is Ronald Bayer vs. Panduit Corporation 07 L 9877. Ronald Bayer, 41 years old from Monee, Illinois was awarded $64 million dollars for future medical expenses, pain and suffering, and related damages. Mr. Bayer was represented by Clifford Horwitz, Jay Luchsinger, and Michael Carter of the Chicago law firm of Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates. Defendant Panduit Corporation was represented by John W. Patton and Michael Vranicar of Patton & Ryan.

Bayer was a union iron worker from local 393 who fell head first 15-20 feet from a beam. Bayer suffered a C1 burst fracture, C7 dislocation fracture and C6 spinal cord injury. Bayer requires non-stop nursing care and lives with chronic pain. Bayer lost the functional use of his hands and complete use of his body from the chest- down.

Clifford Horwitz, owner and co-lead trial attorney states, “It was an honor and a privilege to represent Ron Bayer. Ron was known to his friends and co-workers as a hardworking, diligent and cautious union ironworker, before his life was shattered as a result of Panduit’s alleged carelessness.”

“Panduit was represented by one of the largest insurance carriers in the country, with virtually unlimited resources and highly skilled attorneys. But after carefully reviewing all the evidence, the jury recognized that Panduit maintained an unsafe jobsite in violation of OSHA regulations, ANSI safety standards, and internal safety rules. As a result, Ron suffered horrifying injuries, including quadriplegia and a traumatic brain injury with many complications.”

“No amount of money could possibly compensate this man for what he has been through and what is in store for him over the remainder of his life. Ron’s past and future medical bills alone are projected to reach approximately $30 million -- nearly half of the jury’s award.”

“While money alone can never make him whole, it’s reassuring to know that the jury’s verdict will enable Ron to obtain the quality medical treatment he will require over the remainder of his life.”

Trial attorney Michael Carter explained, “The jury heard four weeks worth of evidence and heard from seven different doctors and two Phd’s about Ron’s 30 million dollars’ worth of care, which he will need throughout his life. He suffered severe spinal cord and brain injuries and the results of this case prove that the system works. Twelve people from different walks of life came to a determination that this man should be fully taken care of and he should receive complete compensation for his injury.”

At Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, our attorneys represent clients who have been injured due to a wide variety of situations including workplace accidents, construction accidents, auto accidents, defective products, and nursing home neglect and abuse. For more information about Horwitz, Horwitz & Associates, including a free consultation, please visit HorwitzLaw.com or call (800) 594-7433.

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Clifford Horwitz

Michael Carter

Jay Luchsinger

Testimonial Tuesday!

"I injured my back in October of 2006 working on a pipeline. I slipped in mud and fell resulting in serious injuries to my back, shoulder and neck. My claim was disputed at one point because the Respondent thought I was not complying with the pain management recommendations.  Marc Perper fought very hard for me and tried the case. I was awarded medical benefits, all lost benefits and will have open necessary medical and receive weekly checks for the rest of my life. HHA did a fantastic job and I have nothing but good things to say about this firm. The staff gave me excellent service and I can't thank them enough."

Team HorwitzLaw.com

Chicago Hot Chocolate 15/5k Run/Walk

HHA's walkers and runners raised money for the Ronald McDonald House and Little City Foundation.

Way to go Team! 

FAQ Friday! How do I protect my rights?

Why Must I Report My Injury?

Your employer has a legal right to know about your injury. If you delay or fail to notify your employer of your injury, you may lose your right to receive compensation. Therefore, even if your injury does not at first appear to be serious, the event/injury should be reported immediately.

Send us your question!