Back injury and workmans comp. question-need advice please.?
I was injured at work (walmart) 3 months ago when something fell on me. I have been under my employers doctors care since then. I was diagnosed with a spinal injury. I have undergone a series of shots in my neck, and various medications including pain meds, steroids, and muscle relaxers. Today the workmans comp. doctor told me he was releasing me for light duty. I feel I am not ready as I am in chronic pain and I still have swelling in my neck and shooting pains in the back of my left leg. What are my options, and where do I go from here? Any advice is greatly appreciated.
Anonymous2008-04-15T10:38:05Z
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Wow! I hear ya! I've just returned to work as an RN after 2.5 years off due to a back injury at work. I've dealt with WCB for that long and I currently have a lawyer doing an appeal for monetary loss. I am ready to return to work, but they would have returned me two years ago if they had it their way.
First of all, you need to refuse to return to work. If you need money to live, then go on disability if you can. Tell your employer that you are not ready and that you feel you will reinjure yourself if you return to work now. If all else fails, return to work for a day and don't fake an injury, but make it known to the doctor that you are hurting and injured from that day of work.
Light duty or not, if you do not feel ready and you have valid reasons, then you aren't ready. Definitely speak to a lawyer....preferrably one that deals with WCB issues.
You need a lawyer and your own doctor. This doctor has been working in Walmart's favor not yours. Do not worry about paying the lawyer, they get paid after the fact depending on the out come of your case.
go and see your doctor and explain all your symptoms. then go and find a solicitor. as it was an accident and it wasn't your fault you shouldn't have to pay. 'no win no fee'. also contact the social security because you might able to claim industrial injury benefit due to being injured at work. if you are still in any doubt contact the citizen advice bureau. hope this has been helpful to you.
Once a settlement is reached and terms of it have been honoured you cannot reopen it. If there is a clause in the settlement to the effect ,that any recurring physical problems at a future date, subsequent to the settlement, have to be suitably compensated, then there may be some scope to revive it. Both parties to the settlement should agree to have such a clause which is rare.
it's time to contact a disbility lawyer like Ed Snyder that takes nothing but cases like yours and get your own Doctor. Wallmarts Doctor is working for Wallmart not for your best interset. This will get you started 1-866-943-3427