Reference no: EM133330552

Case: Lazlo, 42, has been employed as a roofer for 15 years, working for his latest employer for the last nine years, and prior to that for another roofing company. Before that, when he was in his late teens and early twenties, he was a short-order cook in a family-owned restaurant.

While on a roofing job, he tripped on a barrier created by stacking supplies, and fell to a lower section of the roof, cracking his ribs. As a result he has experienced ongoing rib and neck pain although the workers' compensation physician has indicated that the neck pain is not related to the fall but the injuries sustained to his ribs have resulted in CRPS (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome).

After further assessment including a functional capacity assessment it was recommended that Lazlo not continue working as roofer as repeated lifting and hammering would likely aggravate his condition. While Lazlo was undergoing diagnosis and treatment, his employer at the time of the accident went out of business--although even if this had not been the case, finding alternate duties for Lazlo was unlikely.

Question 1: What benefits and other supports is Lazlo entitled to?

Question 2: What process would be followed?

Question 3: Are there any other factors, issues or challenges that need to be considered in relation to what workers' compensation will provide or require?