$5,500,000 Settlement

Case Overview

Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP represented a young retail worker who suffered a life-changing spine injury after being instructed by his supervisor to lift heavy equipment in violation of company safety policies.

The worker had recently moved to Texas from another state, where employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Believing he was covered, he followed his supervisor’s direction — unaware that his employer had opted out of the traditional workers’ compensation system.

When he was injured, his employer denied responsibility and initially offered only $25,000 to settle his claim—an amount that would have left him without the resources to manage his medical treatment, lost income, and lifelong limitations. Through our determination and advocacy, we secured a $5.5 million settlement that gave him the stability and justice he deserved.

Incident Details

The incident occurred when the employee was directed to manually lift a large piece of outdoor equipment so that a supervisor could perform maintenance. The equipment weighed several hundred pounds, and the company’s own safety policies prohibited employees in his position from lifting more than 50 pounds without proper assistance or equipment.

As he attempted to lift, he felt and heard a loud pop in his back that caused him to collapse to his knees. He immediately experienced severe pain, dizziness, and an inability to stand or move normally. Despite the supervisor witnessing the injury, no formal incident report was filed, and the company later attempted to deny that the injury occurred at work.

The worker sought emergency medical care and was advised to undergo further diagnostic testing, but without employer-provided health insurance or workers’ compensation, he was unable to access recommended care. His pain persisted, leaving him unable to walk normally, work, or perform everyday activities without significant discomfort.

Legal Strategy & Steps Taken

Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP undertook an extensive investigation to hold the employer accountable for ignoring its own safety rules and failing to protect its workers. Our legal team:

• Obtained internal safety manuals proving the company explicitly prohibited manual lifting of heavy machinery without mechanical assistance.
• Secured testimony from witnesses confirming that a supervisor directed the unsafe lifting task and observed the injury.
• Demonstrated how the company’s failure to file an incident report and denial of responsibility violated established workplace safety practices.
• Worked with medical experts to document the severity and permanence of the client’s spinal injury and the ongoing impact on his quality of life.
• Exposed the disparity between the employer’s initial $25,000 offer and the true lifetime cost of the worker’s injury.

Through relentless advocacy and detailed evidence, our firm compelled the employer and its insurers to accept full accountability.

Settlement Outcome

After intense litigation and negotiation, the case resolved for a $5,500,000 settlement, addressing:

• Past and future medical treatment and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Permanent impairment and loss of mobility
• Pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life

This result provided the client with financial stability, access to ongoing care, and the ability to move forward with dignity after a devastating and preventable injury.

Impact

This case highlights the risks faced by Texas workers employed by non-subscriber companies and the importance of enforcing workplace safety standards.

Armstrong Lee & Baker LLP was honored to fight for this young worker, ensuring he received fair compensation and holding his employer accountable for the safety failures that changed his life forever.