Author: Jones Jones

Jones Jones LLC congratulates Partner Dana Sabghir and her team on negotiating a $15 million claim down to an approximately $5 million settlement at mediation in a permanent total disability workers’ compensation case, saving the client nearly $10 million.

The client, a public benefit corporation involved with the construction of public buildings throughout New York City, had concerns regarding the settlement and its potential financial implications due to an independent medical examiner determining permanent total disability. Sabghir and the Jones Jones LLC Construction team requested a cross-examination of the claimant’s personal, non-workers’ compensation neurologist. The neurologist’s testimony acknowledged numerous incidents leading up to the claim that brought fraud into question based on the extent of his neurological claim, seizures, subsequent hospitalization and cervical spine surgery, in-patient rehabilitation and more.

Through a successful cross-examination, Sabghir was able to raise fraud as a concern resulting in a strong basis for negotiation. The client ultimately settled for nearly $10 million less than anticipated, and the claimant agreed to pay all outstanding Notices of Objection to a Payment of a Bill for Treatment Provided (C8.1Bs).

Dana Sabghir and her team performed admirably in securing this successful outcome. If you are in need of assistance with a workers’ compensation case, please contact our appellate team at clientservices@jonesjonesllc.com.

Jones Jones LLC is pleased to share Partner Yvie Cherenfant recently hosted a successful settlement conference on behalf of a client that is in the entertainment space. With the Jones Jones’ “always be closing,” mentality top of mind, Yvie and her team coordinated with the injured workers’ firms and the carrier to set up the successful settlement conference. Together, the groups obtained authority on all cases involved and to date, Yvie and her team have settled 14 cases, saving Jones Jones’ client approximately $100,000.

“Successfully settling cases for clients is always a top priority at Jones Jones,” said Managing Partner Sarah Thomas. “We understand that drawn out cases can be a drain on clients’ valuable time and resources, so we aim to settle quickly and efficiently. Settlement conferences can pave the way for considerable success for the future of our clients’ businesses. I applaud Yvie and her team for their innovation and effectiveness in bringing these matters to a successful and beneficial conclusion.”

In preparation for the settlement conferences, the team contacted attorneys from other firms with whom they have strong relationships and who are frequently in court together. Leaning into these relationships created a positive and productive work environment from the outset. The team worked to obtain reasonable authority and presented initial offers that were impressive, accurate and fair. With the large number of cases faced during the settlement conference, it was important to start with the end goal in mind. In offering a strong first offer, the team cut negotiations to save both parties’ time and effort.

“Perhaps one of the best attributes of settlement conferences, aside from the ability to settle multiple cases at one time, is they allow for negotiations to take place in a more relaxed and friendly environment, creating better working conditions for all,” said Cherenfant. “These settlement conferences would not have borne fruit without the work of all parties involved, including the client and the carrier who collaborated closely to agree on solutions that work best for all parties.”

The teams at Jones Jones continues to work to coordinate settlement days similar to the ones Yvie Cherenfant and her team recently concluded. If you or your client have a number of cases you think would benefit from a settlement conference, please reach out to clientservices@jonesjonesllc.com.

nes Jones LLC is pleased to share that Partner Christine Diana secured another successful outcome for a major airline client in the state of New Jersey.

In this case, the claimant, a flight attendant, maintained a serious shoulder injury while on the job. During the settlement proceedings, Diana negotiated for a settlement of 37.5% of shoulder injury medical costs. The claimant’s attorney argued that the case was worth more than the negotiated percentage and both parties found it necessary to get the judge’s opinion regarding the value of the case. Jones Jones argued that as the claimant had already returned to full duty work, the original negotiation was sufficient. The judge ultimately ruled in favor of Jones Jones’ client. This decision saved the client $50,000 via a settlement from the settlement demand.

In approaching this case, Diana and her team reviewed the treatment records as well as both parties’ permanency exams. The team found that the claimant did have a serious injury but had already returned to work full duty. Jones Jones was able to use that finding as a factor when negotiating the settlement. In negotiating with opposing counsel, a conference for settlement was discussed, but based on the thorough review of the treatment records and both parties’ permanency exams, Diana and her team were confident in their offer in front of the judge. The judge ultimately valued the case at the same amount Diana and her team negotiated, showcasing the team’s expertise in this space.

Congratulations to Diana and her entire team. If you are in need of assistance with a workers’ compensation case, please contact our appellate team at clientservices@jonesjonesllc.com.

📄Download