Workers' Compensation - Back Injury

Micheal A. Edwards successfully defended a workers’ compensation claim by a 23 year old furniture mover for compensability of a back condition.  The claimant allegedly injured his back while moving a sofa bed.  Employer witnesses contradicted the claimant’s testimony regarding the occurrence and reporting of an accident/injury at work.  There was also conflicting medical testimony regarding objective evidence of a back injury.  Before trial, claimant demanded $50,000 to settle the claim and rejected a settlement offer of $5,000.  The Judge of Compensation Claims found that the claimant did not sustain an injury by accident in the course and scope of his employment and denied all claims.