Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

Hello everybody,

I have a problem and was wondering if anyone out there has any advies. I hurt my back last week at work, it just started getting sore. By the end of the week I couldn't stand and I went to the dr. I called my boss, explained my systems and how serious the pain and numbness was. I went, a few times, they took an MRI and my back is jacked. Ok here is the problem I am having.

My boss is a real douche or jerk he had me go in today saying its might not be workers comp, he said when it happend and my boss didn't take a statement that now we are in trouble. He is saying that it might be under fraud and that it might not be covered. OK, here is the shady part and the part I need your advise on.

I filled out a statement, of excatly what happend, dates everything. Now after telling me that all this could come out of my pocket, he wants me to work tomorrow just sitting at work, doing nothing so he can pay me, he says. Ok here is the question:

If I go back to work tomorrow, only after being out for about a week, still in pain and, when I first went to the DR. they gave me a note saying no work until an orthopidic says I am ok. If I go back to work, wouldn't that void my workers comp, and stick me with the bill? I think my boss is trying to screw me over, sorry but that is what I think, PLEASE ANYONE THAT HAS SOME ADVISE ON THIS, PLEASE PLEASE HELP!!!!!!

no it would not AND it saves the employer a ton of money. Why was an MRI done so soon anyway ? Seems a little early'

Ya I don't know, the dr did an mri though and he said my L5 is damaged but the S1 has slid one inch to the left i guess and is crushing my syatic nerve. and to boot a fragment is resting on the nerve and that is why there is so much numbness. This has all just happend, I have NEVER HAD BACK PAIN BEFORE THIS, EVER! I don't know what is going on. So if I go back for light work, just sitting there, it is ok?

i agree.
clear the "sitting at work" with the doctor.
Make sure a claim was filed with the carrier --this kind of behavior is typical of a non-reporting employer who'll try to pay the bills and not have a record of a claim.

P.S. to cycler
wages are generally much higher then disability payments; it's hard to see any immediate savings.

He has been seding me to a chiropractor but he is paying for it on the side. How do I find out if he has filed a claim? I really don't think he has, that is what I am saying. I think he hasn't filed the claim, and wants me to go back to work. He told me so I can work and put food on my table, but I thought if he had filed a claim, that workers comp would send me checks. Anymore info, thanks so far please need more info

yup, just as i suspected. you have no long term protection.
things get worse you are dumped and the carrier has no record and you're doomed to litigation or long delays.
if he has comp insurance you should contact them directly and in writing.
each state has a website where you can get information. some where you can even lookup employer coverage.
if he doesn't have coverage, state compliance officers can shut him down plus fines etc. that information is on most websites as well.
at the top of this forum there is a request that posters provide their state so specific information can be provided. you haven't done that.

I suppose it is state specific but a Lost time claim is often stated to cost 3-5x wages so, accurate or not, that is what I was referring to. I should have been clearer on that.sorry.

Welcome to the forum. At the top of this page is state info. click on it then click on your state.

cycler: many employers think that not reporting a claim saves them money but that may only be true if its a simple medical only injury. most states figure injury frequency in setting rates for some individual employers and those employers are try to short circuit that factor but the losses on a serious injury that becomes litigated ( as most delayed reported claims end up) eat up those savings very quickly.

1171- thank you so much for your info. I am going to find out if there is a claim today it was to late yesterday. I REALLY REALLY DO WANT TO THANK ALL OF YOU FOR YOUR INFO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YOU HAVE ALL HELPED ME OUT WITH SO MUCH INFO ALREADY. THANKS AGAIN. PLEASE IF YOU THINK OF ANYTHING ELSE THAT MIGHT HELP, PLEASE FEEL FREE TO HELP A BROTHA OUT THANK YOU AGAIN