The incident occurred on September 25, 2017, when the decedent fell from a five-story rooftop while working on a construction project in Maryland. He died as a result of the fall, leaving behind his wife and four young children, all of whom relied on him for financial support.
Following the accident, the employer denied responsibility and disputed key issues, including the decedent’s employment status and the family’s eligibility for benefits. As a result, litigation ensued. In 2018, the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission ruled in the family’s favor and awarded death benefits of $805 per week for 144 months.
For several years, these benefits provided the family with consistent financial support.
Years later, the surviving spouse sought to convert a portion of her remaining future benefits into a lump-sum payment so she could purchase a permanent home for her children. Attorney Jordan Portner and Paralegal Juan Ibarra negotiated a structured settlement that balanced her long-term security with her immediate financial needs.
The structured settlement totaled more than $400,000. By that time, the family had already received over $300,000 from the original award. Combined, the total recovery exceeded $770,000.