DiBiaggio Law Wins Full Medical Benefits Ruling for Injured Bus Operator

MIAMI-DADE County, Florida—DiBiaggio Law announces a major legal victory on behalf of a Miami-Dade County bus operator after a Judge of Compensation Claims (JCC) issued a decisive ruling requiring the Employer/Carrier to provide full medical benefits for the worker’s bilateral knee injuries. The judgment, issued on August 15, 2025, confirms that the Claimant’s July 16, 2024, workplace injury is fully compensable and that all necessary orthopedic treatment, physical therapy, and knee injections must be authorized.

The Claimant, a 22-year veteran bus operator, was represented by attorney Deirdre J. DiBiaggio, who successfully demonstrated that the worker’s right knee injury and progressive internal knee damage were the direct result of years of work-related driving, braking, and the physical demands of bus operations. The Employer/Carrier attempted to deny continued treatment by arguing that the “major contributing cause” was personal or degenerative; however, the Court rejected that assertion in full.

Key Findings in the Judge’s Ruling

The Court found that the Claimant previously sustained multiple job-related right knee injuries in 2010, 2015, 2022, and 2024, all tied to her employment duties. Medical evidence showed no non-work-related causes contributing to her condition. The ruling emphasized that because all contributing causes were industrial, the Employer/Carrier could not invoke the “major contributing cause” standard to deny treatment.

The Judge fully accepted the testimony of Independent Medical Examiner Dr. Barry Shapiro, who confirmed a newly identified posterior cruciate ligament injury, progression of a meniscal tear, and the medical necessity of continued care.

As a result, the Court ordered the Employer/Carrier to:

• Authorize ongoing orthopedic treatment with the attending physician

• Approve physical therapy for both knees

• Provide medically necessary injections

• Treat the injury as fully compensable

• Pay attorney’s fees and costs, which will be determined at a later hearing

“This ruling is a victory for injured workers who dedicate their lives to serving the public,” said Deirdre DiBiaggio, Esq., founder of DiBiaggio Law. “The Court recognized that her injuries were caused by the cumulative demands placed on her as a bus operator. The Employer/Carrier’s denial was inconsistent with both the facts and the law, and we are grateful that this decision restores her right to the medical care she needs.”

DiBiaggio further emphasized the firm’s mission: “We fight for workers who are too often overlooked. No one should be denied necessary medical care after suffering injuries in service to their community.”

Legal and Community Impact

This judgment serves as a critical reminder of the protections available to Florida workers under state workers’ compensation law. The ruling clarifies employers’ obligations when workplace injuries worsen over time and underscores the need for fair treatment of public employees who suffer cumulative trauma while performing essential services.

DiBiaggio Law remains committed to advocating for injured workers throughout Miami-Dade County and the State of Florida, seeking the benefits and medical support for which they are eligible under the law.

For more information, visit www.DiBiaggioLaw.com

About DiBiaggio Law 

As a seasoned and skilled negotiator with over 30 years of practicing law, Deirdre DiBiaggio takes a personal interest in her clients, leveraging her excellent relationships with judges and other attorneys to pursue the settlements or resolutions they need. Since 1995, she has handled Social Security disability cases and represented injured and disabled persons in workers’ compensation and personal injury lawsuits. Her bilingual Spanish firm also serves the needs of her Spanish-speaking clients. 

DiBiaggio is a past member of the Dade Human Rights Foundation and a past member of the Unlicensed Practice of Law Committee of the Florida Bar Association and the National Organization of Social Security Claimants’ Representatives (NOSSCR). DiBiaggio Law is ready to help with your personal injury case, workers’ compensation claim, or Social Security disability claim.

Visit DiBiaggioLaw.com for more information.

Contact Information:

DiBiaggio Law

605 Belvedere Road, Suite 17
West Palm Beach, FL 33405
United States

Deirdre DiBiaggio
https://www.dibiaggiolaw.com/