Okay, I am 17 I live in Oklahoma. I recently fell at work and injured my back. I am so far being paid a "great" 160 a week from wc. I went to the follow up on my MRI and my L-5 is ruptured and my L-4 is bulging, thats all going to last forever... I don't know where to turn or what step to take next. My mother dosen't know much either.
Any tips? Should I contact a lawyer? Or just work with the insurance company? I watch the commercials on TV and it sounds like I need a lawyer.
Not for sure in your state but you should be able to speak with a lawyer for free. And you may want to speak with several to make sure you are getting the right info. I'm not saying lawyers are bad but some are just not all for the workers rights as much as making money as fast as they can. If you need one you want to make sure he is going to help you and do the best he can for you. Your employer may do everything they can for you, so do but most seem like they don't. With that said you may not need a lawyer right now but if you speak with a few you may find out the info you will need to make that move. Hope that all make since because sometimes I just write.
Welcome to the boards, you will find a lot of good people here with a lot of experience to give you advice from. First, what type of Dr. have you seen? I'd want to make sure you have seen either a Orthpeadice spine specialist or a Neruo. spine specialist. Both of these can do a lot more for your spine, than a regular Ortho. or Neruo.
Then, you are going to want to make sure that you file your w/c case with the state, yourself. Both you and your company have to do this, so don't just assume the company will do it.
You probably don't need a lawyer right at the beginning and you can get a lot of information off of the website, as to what you need to do. However, if and when the ins. company ever begins to give you a difficult time either paying you your weekly money or paying for your medical needs, then get a lawyer right away. Remember, most lawyers will give you a free consult, so it is a good idea to talk with several before you pick the one that you feel will work best with you.
Also, keep track of your miles to and from your Drs. appnts. Some states will pay for your mileage.
Good luck and keep us posted.
Wow Thank you for the little bit of information Im pretty far away from my doctors and we have made many trips so far. Right now im being refered out to a specialist so... I am going to see whom the insurance comp. picks. They are being very very good with me so far, but I have heard people talk about seatlments? What about my pain and suffering? This is a life long injury that I have aquired.... Im just lost in a blur of pain pills and hospital visits right now.
Be sure to read the info provided for your state located at the top of this page. click on state ,then your state, then employee info. Educating yourself is the key to getting thru a very complicated system . No one will just provide you with the information as you go along, except for this forum, HAha. You have to dig for it. Protect your rights. Trust me, the insurance company is NOT your friend and neither is the Dr they send you to. If possible , contact your primary care physician and have him refer you to a specialist. Very good idea to consult with a lawyer. Good luck
cody just watch your imput on those pain pills they are very addicting. theres a lable they forget to put on the bottle. popper beware. They are by far one of the worst drug to get addicted too. Just wanted to say Please Becareful. Im sure others will agree with me, well I sure hope Im not the only one that feels this way. Good Luck
Cody get the big money signs outa your head now! WC(Workmans comp) does not thats right does not pay for pain and suffereing...they should pay for your doc visits your meds and a % of your pay..also keep track of mileage as they do pay for mileage and if you travel 6 hours or more they pay for a meal...if you come out of this with your back taken care of you will be better off than most 2 years ago Okla passed a lot of new WC rules that does not favor the worker.....I sent you a pm asking where you live please return it....A back injury isnt something you wanna mess with and WC will for the most part get you fixed...unless you are part of the 5 % that it doesnt work for.Then you need a lawyer...As long as they are getting you to the docs and are doing what the doc wants and you are getting your comp check then you are getting all WC is set up to give you......if those things are not happening then you need a lawyer...AGAIN PLEASE RIGHT NOW GET THE DOLLAR SIGNS OUTA YOUR HEAD ANYONE ON HERE WILL TELL YOU THERE ISNT A DIME IN WC IN FACT BEFORE ITS ALL OVER YOU WILL HAVE LOST THOUSANDS in money you would have made working.Your best bet is to work with your doc to get you well and back to work as fast as you can.....Dont get hook on those narcs as they can and will make your life hell
Hi Cody, Welcome to the forum!
You have been given really good advise . I only have one thing to add....
If you end up having to hire an attorney...steer clear of the ones advertised on TV...they are out for a buck only. Talk to other injured people, friends for referral, and call around to several WC certified WC lawyers to chose the best one. One that is easy to talk to, seems to be truely concerned about your treatment, and will keep you from getting screwed, and who has a good track record.
Good luck, and keep us updated, ok? Lilly
cody needs a lawyer he can PM me.... mine was the best and I dont mind giving out his name.But he will tell you dont get him involved until you need him as he does take a part of your weekly pay and any settlement you may get...
Thank you all for your advice. I read last night about the no pain and suffering, so im screwed on that factor. great.
My mother had 3 discs taken out of her back in 97' and I truly understand about the pain pill addiction, it's something i'm not attracted to I hate all the pills