Georges v. VLJ Construction: PTD Awarded After Hip Fracture Limits Paving Worker

In Georges v. VLJ Construction Services, Inc./Broadspire Services, Inc., OJCC Case No. 24-030608MAM, Judge Mark A. Massey addressed disability, average weekly wage, and treatment claims after a paving worker suffered a left hip fracture and left ankle fracture when he was struck by a road roller.

The JCC found the claimant was temporarily partially disabled from September 23, 2025 through January 8, 2026, because his work injury and restrictions prevented him from returning to his pre-injury paver roller job during that period. Temporary total disability was denied.

Permanent total disability was awarded from April 28, 2026 forward. The order emphasized the claimant's age, limited education, limited English, lack of computer literacy, heavy-work history, chronic hip and leg pain, permanent restrictions, and an unsuccessful job search that made further search efforts futile.

The JCC also recalculated the average weekly wage at $1,719.36, below the carrier's prior figure, and allowed the employer/carrier a credit for overpayments. Claims for additional left hip MRI/CT authorization and physical therapy were denied, while attorney's fees and costs were reserved based on the benefits secured.

Source: Compensation Order