By strategically leveraging Section 5(b) of the Illinois Workers’ Compensation Act, Goldberg Segalla recovered $250,000 toward a workers’ compensation lien exceeding $400,000 and resolved the underlying workers’ compensation claim for just $1—dramatically improving the financial outcome for the client.

While in the course of employment, an employee of a national building maintenance and facility management company sustained significant injuries in a motor vehicle accident for which he was not at fault. The injuries ultimately required a two-level cervical fusion, resulting in more than $400,000 in workers’ compensation payments.

Understanding the interplay between workers’ compensation benefits and third-party recovery, Goldberg Segalla partner Kylee J. Jordan protected and aggressively pursued the client’s lien in the related third-party action. By actively managing the lien throughout the life of the claim and strategically applying Section 5(b), she ensured the employer’s interests were preserved and maximized.

This result underscores why it is critical for employers and carriers to work with counsel who not only understands Section 5(b), but who consistently and persistently protects lien rights at every stage of a claim. Vigilant lien management can dramatically change the financial outcome of a case.