workmenscomp/issue - Disabilities Message Board

badbac/pain · 01-19-2007, 06:49 PM

hello out there folks its me again,but now there have been some changes in my w/c situation.My last visit to my treating doc was ugly he released me to full duty and i informed him that i didnt think i was going to be able to go due to me not being able to stand for very long without severe pain in left hip that also radiates pain down rear of leg down to toes.scary part is when i get the pain in lower back that feels like jolt of electricity and i feel like i am going to fall to ground.it happened once at home just as i tried to get up out of bed.Ive was on w/c for approx two months in that time I was given vicodin for the pain.one hour of p/t,one esi,and was also scheduled to get a facet block injection.nothing that they did for me helped.i feel like my treating physician did not do every thing possible .he told me that the symptoms that i have are not relevant to this injury.Iwas injured in the past on a job injury lower back.i was on w/c for about 1 1/2 yrs settled and i was happy.i was young and ignorant and i didnt care what i was signing i just saw $$$$$ and thats it.that was 15 years ago.five years later i huurt my lower back again.by the way first injury was also back injury.anyway the second time injured same thing but this time i recieved an impairment rating of 10% disability.i settled and recieved very little money.it was either get it all up front or get something like $75.00 amonth for like 12 yrs.since that time ive worked hard jobs and withstood the pain i had to to support my growing family.this third injury that is present today as put me down for the count im afraid.the mri that recieved on this injury shows findinds of spinal stenosis,bilateral spondylolysis,disc degeneration at L5-S1,and L4-5 disc degeneration.my problem is that they discontinued my w/c case due to theyre saying all that they are going to accept is a back strain/sprain and there medical documentation supports me returning to work full duty.what i have a question about is can i request another doctor who will accept me and treat or is it to late since my last doctor employer/doctor already released me.some one give any input that you can.

ICC · 01-20-2007, 05:27 AM

OK badbac----I'll try. since you have settled on the original injury I believe any flare ups goes back to the original IC. BUT since you've settled basically what that means if the didn't keep your medical open you are SOL. You have a right to a second opinion but it might be at your expense. do you have an attorney? if not you need to get one and have him explain the legalities here. very complicated as there are 3 injuries to the same area 2 of which have been settled on. I am suffering five injured body parts, WC related, and this is the 5th reported comp injury with same employer. I have always returned to work full duty except this time. too many permanent injuries for me to risk any further harm. Also I have never settled any of the claims but have always returned to my job. You have a complicated situation and I don't want to sound negative but I can't imagine having received settlements twice that any IC will pick it up. this is just my opinion and that's why i say please, please seek legal advise. an attorney is the only one who can answer your questions and since all states are different and all cases are different I wouldn't be doing you a service without telling you to seek legal advise immediately. best of luck

ICC

badbac/pain · 01-21-2007, 06:34 AM

icc.hi and thanks for reply.yes i know it sounds complicated which it may very well be.yes i did retain a lawyer but still to early to determine whats gonna happen.? for you.what injuries did you sustain at this job if you dont mind me asking.

ICC · 01-22-2007, 06:16 AM

good morning babbac------

1) injury was 2 herniated lumbar disks that did heal so i returned to work full duty. took 18 months and all medical and ereceived my bi-weekly checks.

2) was about a year later. my foot got caught under a broken freezer floor and sprained my ankle. never took a day off. worked with the ankle boot on.

3) slipped on ice in employers parking lot and suffered a concussion and some neck trauma. never missed a days work. was made to work with concussion and sore neck.

4) lifting as usual my knew buckled and I bilged two other disks.

5) and current. cervical, impinged rotator cuff, 2 bulged lumbar disks, rt. knee and ankle. Have not worked since May. am lucky to get through the day and do PT 2 xs a week. several injections which have whacked my diabetes out. WC denied the claim so i have no idea what's next.

ICC

badbac/pain · 01-22-2007, 06:33 AM

good morning to you also icc.wow your case sounds somewhat complicated also.you know i sit here wondering if i should hold out and see what my lawyer can do for me and its hard because in the meantime there is no income my wife is full time student.i was attending school but i dont know now.this is just a difficult time.iwas going through some paper work and you would think that if my ic approved esi one time and than also approved facet block injection which im scheduled for on jan.30.why would the ic say that there only going to treat for back sprain.even though i have so called prexisting injuries.i didnt mention earlier that my first injury 15yrs ago the ic was the same carrier that i have now.2 totally different employers but same ic