From Denial to Six Figure Settlement: How We Turned a “Not Work‑Related” Stroke Into a Win
Published: 9/4/2025 | Written by Elliot Bourne (Partner)
Heart attack and stroke cases are difficult to prove. An experienced attorney can help.
From Denial to $130,000: A Work‑Travel Injury Win
Our client stopped by the office outside her normal hours to pick up something she needed for her job. While on the premises, and after climbing the stairs to her office, she suffered a stroke. The insurance company denied the claim, arguing it wasn’t work‑related. Understanding how workers’ compensation works in Georgia is essential when facing these types of denials.
We pushed back. Heart attack and stroke claims are often denied because the insurer says they are purely medical issues unrelated to work. But that’s not always true. An experienced workers’ comp attorney can build up the medical evidence on how work activities contributed to causing the injury. Georgia case law on idiopathic strokes and heart attacks establishes when these conditions can be compensable.
We gathered medical evidence to show that that what she was doing was incidental to her employment—a task directly tied to her job—and that the physical exertion of climbing the stairs contributed to the stroke. In short, being “off the clock” didn’t erase the connection to work.
Result: We secured a $125,000 settlement for our client.
When Are Strokes Work-Related?
Heart attacks and strokes are often wrongly denied as “purely medical.” Key factors for work-relatedness:
- Physical exertion at work can trigger cardiovascular events
- Incidental to employment: Tasks tied to your job count, even “off the clock”
- Medical evidence is crucial: Expert testimony linking work activity to the injury
- Initial denials are common: Don’t give up—experienced attorneys can build the case
- Significant value possible: Even denied claims can result in substantial settlements
Takeaway: Many claims are initially denied. That doesn’t mean they lack value. With the right legal strategy, the value can be significant.
If you’ve been told your claim isn’t work‑related (or you’re unsure) get a case review before giving up. We’re here to evaluate the facts and fight for the benefits you deserve. Learn about the steps to take after a workplace injury to protect your rights from day one.
Workers' Comp Claim Denied?
Insurance companies often deny legitimate stroke and heart attack claims. Don't accept their decision as final. Bourne Law Firm has successfully overturned denials and secured six-figure settlements for work-related medical events.
Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes. This post is for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.