Fried, Kane, Walters, Zuschlag and Grochmal 625 Stanwix Street, Suite 1404
Pittsburgh, PA 15222
Phone 412-261-4774
Fax 412-261-1225

Case Name:T.H. v. Girl Scouts of Southwestern PA
County:Westmoreland
Type of Petition:Reinstatement
Type of Injury of Condition:L5-S1 Disc herniation
Date of Decision:3/24/2009
Litigated Outcome:WCj denied Reinstatement Petition
Defense Expert(s):Dr. William Abraham
Claimant Expert(s):Dr. Joseph Maroon
Defense Counsel:Rhonda A. Rudman
Remarks:  Claimant had been on a suspension status for five years when he filed the instant Reinstatement Petition. We obtained voluminous, over ten inch thick, records from multiple providers. This revealed Claimant had a history of six different reported injuries including both work and non-work related incidents. Claimant had had a prior lumbar surgery before the instant claim and three lumbar surgeries after the instant claim. Dr. Abraham testified that the three recent surgeries and disability were not causally related to the work injury. Based on the evidence submitted, the Judge found such testimony credible and noted the long standing problems and multiple non-work related injuries.
Anticipated Savings:  Claimant's yearly total disability rate is $16,744.00. Claimant has a life expectancy of over 20 years so that anticipated savings in regard to indemnity benefits is $334,880.00. All physicians had agreed that Claimant was disabled from his regular work and had serious limitations. As referenced above, Claimant had undergone multiple surgeries so that anticipated savings in regard to medical benefits is over $100,000.00