Workers’ Compensation

Workers’ compensation claims present unique challenges due to the sometimes complicated medical questions involved, the reliance on medical experts, and the short time frame in which claims must be litigated. Certain aspects are also singular to the area, such as disability ratings, future medical obligations, and work-relatedness. Workers’ compensation law changes frequently, and it takes a dedicated attorney to keep your business in the right position. Sewell & Neal, PLLC, takes great pride in meeting these special challenges and adapting its approach for the specific needs of the case.

We have a record of success in both Kentucky and Indiana before Administrative Law Judges, the Board, and in the appellate courts. While the list is too long to mention, a few notable examples are below:

In Indiana, Mike Neal represented a car parts manufacturer in a serious back injury claim. The claimant applied for Social Security Disability benefits and was found to meet the criteria for a disability. The claimant argued that he was entitled to a permanent total disability award in the workers’ compensation claim as well. We uncovered evidence of a prior injury and convinced the workers’ compensation hearing officer that the claimant had not sustained a work-related injury and had committed fraud with respect to the claim. Our client prevailed, and the claim was dismissed.

In Kentucky, Mike Neal defended a local distillery in a serious back injury claim. The claimant alleged that he sustained a serious back injury that required multiple surgeries as a result of lifting heavy cases of whiskey. The Social Security Administration awarded the claimant disability benefits in an unrelated proceeding in which we did not take part, and the claimant sought to recover an award for a permanent and total disability in the workers’ compensation claim. We established that the injury may have been related to a water skiing accident. The Administrative Law Judge found that the claimant did not sustain a work-related injury and dismissed the claim.