Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

I live in Louisiana, injuried 4/2008 at work (injuries bilateral knees, numbness in legs, teeth damage facial injuries ) (All appointments taken care of without problem until I had a non-work related accident on 8/2008 W/c stopped everything (checks and meds ....Allowed only to continue seeing dentist but they would not pay for antibotics ordered by him for infection and pain. They did allow and paid for extractions and replacement with partial. I obtained an Attorney in 12/2008 . In 1/2009 I was called by neuro Dr office saying w/c want Me to be re-examined and an appointment was set up with the neuro doc. that I had been seeing because of numbness in my leg.and pain in lower back. examined by this doctor 1/2009 to determine if work-related injuried were not affected by the other accident ....Doctor said injuries not same and not affected by non-work related accident. after initial injury xrays mri done and He said that I was ok Mri showed slight broad base bulging to L5 but He said that was not causing the numbness in rt. leg or pain to lower right back. Was sent to physical therapy for 4 weeks. still had numbness in rt. leg. After FCE I was discharged from this Dr. with Him saying I should consult an Ortho Dr. for continued pain and numbness in leg because He did not see any thing that could be causing my problem. Two days after FCE I had to see My primary Doctor because of swelling and increase Pain in knee but had to paid for it out of pocket because w/c had stopped my benefits My Attorney filed for reinstatement of benefits and for continued medical treatment 12/2008 since I am still having numbness and pain in leg and knee I called Him a week ago and He had not heard any thing from w/c Need to know if there is any board I can contact to find out any information as to what is going on or get a update.

Well, since you do have an Attorney, you can't really call to many people, for that is what your attorney is there for. To have others talk to them, and through them talking to the attorney the attorney then talks to you.

Some States are just back logged, while others aren't. Meaning it could takes time.

you can file for a disputed claims hearing. it takes 6-9 months to get a court date. Your claim is litigated now and you no longer have access to the administrative processes. there are no short cuts once you've chosen to go the legal route.
Here is more information
http://www.laworks.net/FAQs/FAQ_WorkComp...Claims.asp

My wc injury was also bilateral knees & back.

Just wanted to share when I have the "bad" nerve pain days I will have so much swelling in my knees that I can't wear my jeans.

I have to wear shorts or baggy sweats on those days.

Thanks for sharing that info with me. I feel real bad and often get upset because of the swelling and especially the numbness. Hopefully one day soon I will be able to see an Ortho Dr. to find out what is really wrong with my knees and if the numbness is because of the knee injury.

Bummer and I had our knee problems.

The sweeling apply's pressure on nerves, muscles, and tendons. The body responds with more sweeling to keep you from trying to use it. The more you use, the nerves act up, causing numbness. This is very common with knee injuries also. If you never had the pain in your butt going down behind the thigh, it then isn't coming from your spine. But, if your Gait (posture) is altered, due to a limp, it will cause pain in the lower back area.

Now this, me and Bummer do know.

Thanks very very much for that info. w/c orthro doctor that I went to and told him about the numbness in my leg and pain in my knee referred me to a neuro doctor. I figured the orthro dr. did not want to get involved because the frist thing he asked me was if I had an attorney then made the statement " I don't have time for deposition and all that other comp stuff". He did a limited exam on my knee then referred me to a neuro dr. and I have not seen anyone else since I was seen by the neuro because of the numbness. I am very concern about the numbness and getting upset because I did not know what might be causing it. Plan to see a doctor soon even if I have to go to LSU medical center because w/c comp stopped my benefits and my attorney have not heard from them yet.

You mean this has been going on for 3/4's of a year, and yet you still don't know what is wrong? Well, get out you phone book or something, and due what you have to do, to find out.

Your letter of denial can be sent to your health insurance company, and they should help you out then.

I never recieved a letter or anything in writing from w/c. when my comp. check did not arrive the 1st of oct. 2008 I called the w/c company and spoke with the adjuster that was assigned to me and He said " you had a wreak and now we don't have to give you anything" That's when I obtained a attorney. Then in 1/2009 they (w/c) schedule me to be examined by the Neuro that they sent me to after the fall to see if work-related injuries was affected by wreak, which the doctor determined it was not. My attorney has not heard from them so I am still waiting. that is why I am going to LSU medical center since my health Ins. will be dropped in the next few weeks because I can't afford to pay out of pocket because not getting comp payments and I have not returned to work because of the pain and numbness.

Just wait a few more days.

Get on the phone with attorney, tell them you need a letter of denial for your health insurance. Tell the attorney, you need it like yesterday. It is easier then you think.