Hi, I am from Kansas. Injured on the job 07-12-07. I hired a lawyer early on and thought he was a pretty good one. Kind of questioning that now. Anyway, I reached MMI July 29 2007. Laywer told me to look for a job within my long list of limitations. To date I have applied at 87 different places,no one wants to hire me. The WC checks have stopped but, the severe pain continues Drs wont see me because I have no insurance and no big wad of cash. Have been waiting for appt. with the rating DR. I have had surgery on my back (L4-L5) it has not done any improvment. It hurts to walk,cant sit very long, pain shooting down legs,back pain never quits. I have gone to the ER twice,the first time 3 weeks ago and then again this past Tuesday night. Should my attorney requested a second oppinion for me ? I am so confused about this whole processs I just dont know what to think. I called him to let him know that I again went to Er ..he said to me well you better stop going to er all you are doing is racking up bills for yourself. Oh yeah you also have an appt 08-22 with the rating DR. Which is in the same office and practice as my Dr I was seeing for WC. Is this for real or what!!!! I am so sorry I am rambling but this entire system is so messed up. I feel like I am being screwed by both WC and my attorney. Why is it that injured workers get treated like this? They act like its your fault that you got hurt and then act as if you are faking ...I have never called in sick always went above and beyond for this company just so I could get THIS ? Thanks
hello gpamike,
welcome
this seems to be what happens, have you checked into social security disability, thats where i am right now. i to have a lawyer but i have done everything on my own since i never hear from mine.
you are in good company here if that is of any help.
Have you applied for unemployment? I think you need a second opinion. There are others in here from KS who can help you more.
Welcome, '
Sithie
Are your dates correct?
2+ weeks of TD before MMI? Even getting an appointment let alone scheduling surgery time and an operating room usually takes a couple weeks unless it's an extreme emergency.
17 days doesn't seem correct from injury date to recovery from back surgery.
I am from Kansas and the laws are unclear in this state.
One look at the state Dept of Labor web site and you will see what I am talking. about.
First, I woulld click on the home page of this web site Workcomp.com
I have learned more about the Kansas laws from this web site then the KS Dept Of Labor web site.
Second, is your attorney a work comp scrtified attorney?
If not then that may be part of your problem.
Thrid, In most cases in Kansas the treating wc doctor also preforms the IME and rates the patient. Again with the syptoms you having you
are still in need of medical treatment.
In Kansas you have the right to a second opinion and up tp $500.00 can be spent for that.
I'm with you 1171. I expect at a minimum the injury date must be 2006. Regardless yes you need a second opinion. When was your surgery? Did you have PT after the surgery? Have you had a follow up MRI to check to see if there is problem from the surgery? What do they do when you go to the ER? Have they offered any diagnostics?
This all reeks to me and if your attorney isn't doing something to get you the medical treatment you need even before the settlement you need a new attorney as well.
This is NOT something to play with and could cost you dearly.
Hi gpamike! I am also from Kansas and I also had L4-L5 surgery. I'm sorry to say that the state web site is not very good. I am new to this myself, but the other people on this forum are wonderful, kind and very helpful. I welcome you and wish you the best!
I reread my post and would like to make a couple of correction.
When I wrote the laws are unclear in this state. I was refering to the Kansas Department of Labor Work Comp Web Page.
This web page has little information about work comp and can be confusing to the reader.
Second, should be - a work comp certified attorney.
Thank you,
Bummer Knees
Sorry I posted the wrong year earlier..should of been o7-12-2006. Thanks for all the good advise. My attorney only handles wc cases supposed to be good. But then he has never ran for an elected office before either..( HE ALSO WON THE ELECTION) Any way...Thanks again...Mike
You have to take charge of your situation. You have to find the information you need to make decisions. Workers comp is not welfare and it's not a handout. Don't sit back and wait for your attorney to take care of you or your family -lawyering is a business and they are anxious to move on to the next case.
This is a wakeup call - you can't go back to your old life, old job, old routine. There is some help thru impairment benefits but you need to get back in control and not leave your future to others. Unfortunately major injuries/health conditions often require a reality check and a "tough love" approach.
They do have some relevent information on their website if you know where to look:
"You do have the right to apply to the Director of Workers Compensation for a change of doctor."
http://www.dol.ks.gov/wc/html/wcinjwkr_EMP.html
http://www.dol.ks.gov/wc/html/wcrehab_dee.html