Local Law Firms Home > Workers' Compensation News > Workers' Compensation Judgment Awards Man $1.1 Million Workers' Compensation Judgment Awards Man $1.1 Million A Pennsylvania man by the name of John Ruschak has received an award to the tone of $1.1 million for wage losses following a severe stroke in 2010. At the time of the stroke, the now 54-year-old man was at work for Victaulic plant in Forks Township, Pennsylvania. Victaulic, which creates pipe-fittings, was Ruschak's employer when he experienced the stroke back in May 2010. Ruschak was paralyzed on the entire left side of his body and incapable of going back to his job. More recently, Judge Beverly Doneker, after reviewing the case decided to award Ruschak $1.1 million income losses. Doneker also determined that Victaulic should be held responsible for all of Ruschak's medical expenses pertaining to the stroke. The judgment was made in favor of Ruschak because court documents indicated that at the particular time of the stroke, Ruschak had been assigned the position of an auto-pour operator. This position required him to pour molten liquid steel into a mold, all the while dressed heavily with an oppressive 100 degree fahrenheit room temperature. At the time of the injury, Ruschak had an extensive background working with Victaulic on and off for more than 22 years. An attorney located in Philadelphia by the name of David Stringent, who specializes in workers' compensation claims, was Ruschak's representation in court versus Victaulic. According to Stern, he showed that without a doubt, Ruschak's stroke was directly linked to the activities on the job, as well as the excessive heat he was exposed to for long periods of time. Stern publicly commented that he believed justice was served in this case. According to Stern, Ruschak, who had been affiliated with Victualic for a long period of time, was subject to harsh working conditions. Stern's claims suggest that Victualic attempted to downplay Ruschak's working conditions. Though Victaulic refused to make many comments on the case, a spokesman did say that the company's employees' welfare is a high priority to them. The company stated that their lack of comments toward the case were "out of respect" for Ruschak. Injuries at work can occur from harsh working conditions just as easily as they can occur from accidents. It is your employer's responsibility to make sure your medical bills are taken care of if you are hurt on the job. In some cases, you may be entitled to more compensation. An experienced workers' compensation attorney can guide you through the process to ensure you legal rights are protected. Contact a workers' compensation lawyer in your local area today for more information. |