Attorney Thomas DeBenedetto Secures $7.8 Million Workers' Compensation Settlement in Landmark California Case

Wednesday, July 30, 2025 | 305 | 0

San Diego, CA - July 30, 2025 - Thomas DeBenedetto & Associates Workers' Compensation Attorneys has achieved one of the largest workers' compensation settlements in California history valued at $7.835 million with a projected lifetime value exceeding $10 million.

An employee sustained catastrophic injuries in a workplace accident requiring multiple surgeries and ongoing medical care. Despite the severity of the injuries, the employer's insurance carrier repeatedly denied liability and delayed essential medical benefits, leading to a legal battle that lasted over 15 years.

Attorney Thomas DeBenedetto stated "This case is a clear example of the uphill battles injured workers face in our current system. When insurance companies put profits before people, we must be prepared to go the distance to secure our clients' rights and ensure they receive every benefit they deserve."

Unprecedented Litigation Efforts
To secure the settlement, the firm undertook extraordinary measures that pushed the boundaries of traditional workers' compensation litigation:

• More than 40 court hearings - four times the number typically seen in similar cases.
• 140 Independent Medical Review appeals, one of the highest numbers ever recorded in a single case.
• Communication with both the Governor's office and the Administrative Director of the Workers' Compensation Appeals Board.
• Multiple penalty petitions and systemic audits to hold the insurance carrier accountable for denial of care.

Prior to the settlement, the defense had already spent nearly $3 million, including $4,000 per day for 24-hour in-home care provided by two separate agencies. The final agreement guarantees that the client's lifetime medical care needs will be fully covered.

A Victory for Injured Workers
"This victory represents more than just a settlement figure," DeBenedetto added. "It demonstrates that persistence, strategy, and a willingness to challenge the highest levels of the system can overcome even the most entrenched obstacles."

About Attorney Thomas DeBenedetto
With more than 33 years of experience, Thomas DeBenedetto & Associates Workers' Compensation Attorneys has recovered over $1 billion in benefits, represented more than 7,000 injured workers, and successfully managed over 500 trials throughout San Diego and across California.