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Cascade Success Stories

Success Story 1 – Temporary Transitional Employment

Case Background
The injured worker was being treated for a low back injury resulting in temporary work restrictions of no lifting over 25 pounds, no stooping, bending, twisting, bouncing or jerking. The injured worker was taken off work as the employer could not accommodate light duty work. The worker lived in a rural area with limited volunteer resources.

Action Taken
Cascade researched several volunteer opportunities to obtain a volunteer position that would be paid and allow for close to full-time hours. Opportunities were limited to two volunteer locations, and one was chosen as the best opportunity with the most work hours.

Results
The injured worker was given the information for follow-up and soon completed an interview and began a volunteer position with the facility. The injured worker subsequently returned to the doctor after eight days of transitional employment and obtained a full-duty release to return to work with the original employer. The case closed 30 days after the referral with no additional TTD owed.

Case Background
The injured worker sustained an ankle injury resulting in significant physical restrictions for lifting, squatting and kneeling. As a result of the limitations the worker was unable to return to his normal job, and the employer had several challenges finding a suitable alternative position.

Action Taken
Cascade was requested to provide Early Intervention services. Cascade leveraged their expertise to conduct an on-site review and worked with the local leadership team to complete a job analysis of the original position. Where we differ is that we also identified meaningful responsibilities, that when combined, enabled the injured worker to return to work full-time in an alternative position. Equally important is that the newly identified position supported the company's production goal, and could be used in other cases to transition injured workers back into the workplace.

Results
The original and light-duty job analyses were completed, and the injured worker was able to return to work in the light-duty position. The return-to-work outcome saved an estimated 300 weeks of TTD benefits.

Case Background
The injured worker sustained a left ankle injury preventing frequent stepping up and down. The applicant attorney asserted that partial disability benefits be increased to reflect future diminished earning capacity.

Action Taken
Cascade was requested to provide vocational expert testimony as part of the defense attorney’s rebuttal of the request for increased benefits. Cascade’s vocational expert reviewed the medical reports, vocational evaluation and job descriptions, and researched the current labor market and industry trends.

Results
Through research and analysis of the data, Cascade’s expert was able to provide a persuasive argument to the Court that the employee suffered no loss in wage earning capacity. The court agreed with these findings and did not find in favor of an increase in benefits.

Case Background
The injured worker suffered a lower back injury with no repetitive lifting or bending, no prolonged weight bearing, including sitting, standing and walking. In addition, the worker lived in remote area without access to public transportation, and had no computer skills. The worker was unwilling to proactively perform job seeking activities.

Action Taken
Cascade identified an alternate SEB that was submitted and approved for training. The worker completed the training and secured placement. The worker was provided with job search assistance when not attending placement. The worker was approved for an additional two-week Job Search Training Program with Cascade, which was highly monitored to ensure participation.

Results
Cascade provided the worker with 92 job leads and 4 interviews. Cascade contacted the worker to ensure that the application was submitted. The worker was interviewed and hired the following day. Employment was secured through Cascade’s referral at 114% wage restoration rate.

Case Background
The injured worker was being treated for a shoulder injury and was released to light-duty work by the physician, with no use of the right hand, although use of a computer mouse was approved. The injured worker’s employer could not accommodate the restrictions and requested Cascade’s Temporary Transitional Employment (TTE) program in order to mitigate lost time.

Action Taken
Cascade contacted non-profit agencies within the injured worker’s geographic area and an appropriate site was identified. Cascade developed a job description, conducted a job analysis, and notified the injured worker as to the position. The site was located near a bus line to facilitate transportation.

Results
The injured worker continued the TTE assignment, working full-time hours, with monitoring provided by Cascade until released to regular duty with the employer. An estimated 17 weeks of temporary partial disability benefits was saved through the temporary assignment and Cascade’s TTE program.