Oviedo Court Grants Lifetime Pension After INSS Denial: Worker Loses Leg. A printing house employee from Oviedo won full disability status in court after suffering a severe workplace injury. The INSS denied payments, but the court's decision secured him a lifetime pension in full.
An official printer from Oviedo lost his leg after a work-related accident, but only through the courts was able to achieve recognition of complete disability and the right to a lifelong pension. The INSS denied him payments, despite the severe consequences of his injury and chronic pain, citing that his condition allegedly did not meet the criteria for such a measure.
The profession of printer requires constant physical activity, stability, and endurance. After having a lower limb amputated, the man was unable to perform even the basic tasks of his trade. In addition to his physical limitations, he developed a chronic neuropathic pain syndrome and severe psychological distress, further reducing his ability to work and overall quality of life.
Court decision
The labor dispute court in Oviedo ruled that the consequences of the injury prevent the worker not only from returning to his previous profession but from any other employment as well. This means he is entitled to a full disability pension—100% of his calculated base. The court's decision requires the worker to report any significant changes in his health status, as this may affect the size or status of his pension.
Why the INSS denied him
The INSS, despite medical reports, concluded that the injuries and related disorders did not justify granting a full disability pension. Only after taking the case to court and a thorough review was it proven that the limitations were irreversible and precluded employment.
Context and significance
This case highlights how important it is to seek a review of INSS decisions if the consequences of an injury truly prevent someone from working. According to Velázquez y Villa Abogados, similar disputes often end in favor of the injured party when there is compelling medical evidence. It is important to remember that mistakes or formal rejections can cost a person a significant portion of future benefits—as already discussed in the article about the impact of errors in employment history on the size of the pension.
In Spain, a full disability pension is granted only when it is impossible to perform any paid work. The court’s decision in Oviedo confirms: even if INSS denies the claim, judicial protection remains a real tool for restoring one’s rights.
