We Saved our client over $700,000
Our aggressive RTW program fits perfectly within LHWCA claims. We source alternate suitable employment for LHWCA claims and prove viable wage earning capacities. We also schedule job interviews for claimants, further proving a job market. As a result, substantial savings are realized:
1st TRIAL CASE FOR NATIONAL LHWCA Carrier
RTW Demographics
- Boat Welder
- Low back injury
- Restrictions include:
- Lifting up to 20 lbs
- Push/Pull up to 40 lbs
- Frequent change in position (sit/stand)
- AWW - $895.00
Background Information
Claimant had a work history of labor intensive welding jobs and was going to school to further his welding skills. Claimant lived in Benton, Kentucky a rural area thirty miles from Paducah and on the border of a large national recreation area. The rural location, claimant’s restrictions and high AWW provided a challenge.
Enter Workfinders USA
Having had no success in finding a position for the claimant, the insured requested Workfinders perform a Labor Market Survey for open jobs that did not require heavy lifting or continuous standing and walking. Also part of the consideration was the claimant’s AWW and needing to find decent paying jobs.
Focusing first on the lifting and movement restrictions, we found a primarily sedentary job as a security monitor at a halfway facility. The employer stated there was no lifting, little walking, and a chair would be available at all times.
Wishing to make use of the claimant’s skill as a welder, we were then able to find a position as a denture lab trainee where the fabrication of dentures involved certain forms of spot welding and paid $15/hour. This then lead to a third job possibility, an entry level dental assistant position. Both of these jobs were primarily sedentary in nature and involved no lifting above claimant’s restrictions.
Turning our attention to even more sedentary jobs, we located an entry level customer service position at a c-pap and respiratory product manufacturer. In searching for customer service positions, we found a bank teller position where the employer said they would provide a chair and accommodate any lifting over twenty pounds.
Conclusion
We were able to successfully identify alternate employment opportunities and establish a viable wage earning capacity for this claim – both are crucial in lessening exposure on LHWCA claims. The denture fabrication job was the key lead as it significantly lowered final settlement numbers.
Labor Market Surveys need to be performed correctly – verbal contact with each employer listed is necessary to make sure jobs are suitable and open for hire at time of call. Our staff double-verifies each job lead placed on the LMS to guarantee accuracy.
Final numbers are below:
Maximum Exposure = $881,899.00
Final Settlement = $156,065.00
Savings = $725,000+
Read how we saved a client over $600,000 on another LHWCA claim