Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

first i found this forum doing a web search for answers. it was there and now i am here. LOL
the problem- i was at work, bending 1" conduit on a hand/foot bender and the tendons in my right wrist/hand popped. iced it right away, went to the ER and this is where everything has went stupid. "I" can't make my own Dr.'s appt. , i have tried to call the W/C adjuster( no luck ) and when i went back to work wensday i was confronted by a supervisor. told to suck it up, stop faking, just name calling and verbal abuse. to make matters worse, i think i was fired? i have called the owner of the company, to no avail. as i understand it there is a chapter in W/C 440.204 about i can't be fired?

so what to do?

thanks, rob

without knowing your state it's difficult to answer your question;
"440.204" is meaningless in the other 49 states.
in all states only a medical doctor can file a doctors report. are you a physcian?
you can notify your employer in writing. you can also notify the work comp carrier directly. some states allow you to file directly with the work comp board.
without knowing your state I can't offer more specific information.

An employer can fire anyone, just they can't fire you for becoming injured is all.

If you are in FLorida (which it sounds like because Chapter 440 is the WC statutes), the statute is 440.205 Coercion of employees.--No employer shall discharge, threaten to discharge, intimidate, or coerce any employee by reason of such employee's valid claim for compensation or attempt to claim compensation under the Workers' Compensation Law.

It's hard to prove though.

How many days were you out of work?

"My employer will not report my injury to the insurance company. What can I do?
You have the right to report the injury to their insurance company. However, if you need assistance, contact the Employee Assistance Office (EAO) at (800) 342-1741 or e-mail wceao@fldfs.com"

http://www.fldfs.com/WC/faq/faqwrkrs.html