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In a recent decision of the Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals, our office successfully argued that our client, Day Bruhn, was entitled to a pension.

Ms. Bruhn was originally injured in July of 2006, while working as a barista.  An expresso machine was falling, and she reached up to stop it.  She developed right carpal tunnel syndrome and underwent surgery.  However, the surgery did not fully cure her condition.

Her case was complicated due to the fact that, prior to the 2006 industrial injury, she had hurt her hand on a glass window.  At that time, her median nerve in her right wrist was cut.  It was repaired in 2003 by grafting a nerve from her ankle into her right wrist.  About one year later, she regained feeling and function in her right hand, but then had the incident with the expresso machine, on July 18, 2006.

The Department presented the testimony of a medical doctor and a chiropractor saying she could return to work.

Ms. Bruhn’s treating chiropractor testified she had substantial limitations on lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, reaching, fingering and handling, based upon  his examinations and he agreed with a physical therapist, who had performed a Functional Capacities Evaluation, showing Ms. Bruhn could only work at a sedentary job, at best.  Her doctor testified that she was unable to repetitively use her dominate right arm.  We called a vocational consultant who testified Ms. Bruhn’s limitations prevented her from working.

After the hearing, the Board entered a decision finding Ms. Bruhn was unable to perform and obtain gainful employment, as of July 12, 2017, and that Ms. Bruhn was permanently and totally disabled as of July 13, 2017.

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We are pleased to announce that Wayne Williams, of our office, was recently accepted as a member of the National College of Workers’ Compensation Lawyers. The College was established to honor those attorneys who have distinguished themselves in their practice in the field of workers’ compensation. In order to attain membership, “these individuals have convinced their peers, the bar, bench and public that they possess the highest professional qualifications and ethical standards, character, integrity, professional expertise and leadership.” Wayne will be formally inducted into the College on March 3, 2018, in Nashville, Tennessee.

Effective July 1, 2017, injured workers will receive an increase factor of 1.0476960532 from the Department of Labor and Industries.

If you are receiving Social Security disability benefits, your COLA is calculated every three years. If you are receiving these benefits, you may not receive a COLA until your claim is reviewed for its three year COLA review.

Mr. Douglas Wyckoff is a very knowledgeable and helpful lawyer who has been there through every step for almost 10 years. He and his staff are always ready to help and answer any questions. My wife and I sincerely thank you Doug and staff for always being with us through it all.

David

I can’t say enough on my appreciation to the whole staff for taking care of me like I was #1…….even after the case they continue to take care of any questions I might have had and they fought tooth and nail to make things right in my case. They really did hold my hand thru the entire process + and thanks to all the staff for fighting for me and helping me thru this. special thanks to Julie Hatcher for your help and keeping my nerves in check. Thank you all….

He was able to obtain a pension for me after a long battle (almost 6 years). I don’t believe it would have happened without him. By allowing him to handle everything, it relieved a lot of stress for my wife and me.

Doug Wyckoff is a pleasure to work with. He has a quick response time when there is a matter that needs to be reviewed and advice given.

Doug was very easy to work with. His staff was very responsive when I had a question or a concern. We always felt informed and supported through this difficult process.