Submitted By: Richard Dennis
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Presentation By: William Sexton
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Department: Human Resources and Risk Management
FORMAL TITLE:
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Workers' compensation settlement in the matter of Thomas Casey versus the City of Ocala, Florida, with a proposed settlement amount of $150,000
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OCALA'S RELEVANT STRATEGIC GOALS:
Fiscally Sustainable, Operational Excellence
PROOF OF PUBLICATION:
NA
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BACKGROUND:
This is a claim by Thomas Casey, age 61, who has been employed by the City of Ocala since August 30, 1994, and who, on or about November 6, 2024, sustained a work-related injury while attempting to remove a manhole cover.
Immediately upon attempting to remove the manhole cover, Mr. Casey experienced pain in his lower back and, upon returning to the office, noticed that his discomfort had escalated into a radiating pain throughout his lower back, resulting in tightening and stiffness.
A significant source of exposure relative to this claim is the potential for medical benefits that could be owed to Mr. Casey. Specifically, the surgical procedure previously recommended by Dr. Graham and ordered by the Judge of Compensation Claims presents significant exposure, with a likely cost of approximately $70,000, in addition to potential (and likely) post-operative treatment, including physical therapy and perhaps injections for pain flare-ups. The total estimate for the surgery and post-operative treatment is $110,000.
There is also the possibility of post-surgical referral to pain management, which has a potential exposure of $40,000.
In addition to the claimant's lumbar conditions, Dr. Graham has suggested that Mr. Casey's right arm and shoulder problems may be related to the work accident, along with his neck pain. If these conditions are related to the work accident, and Mr. Casey required conservative care for these conditions, there is an additional estimated exposure of $10,000 to $15,000. This exposure could be significantly increased if a...
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