Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

I recently ruptured my achilles tendon while at work here in Denver, CO. My employer has been very good at helping me out, however their workmans comp insurance carrier has not been as helpful. My injury occurred on June 25th and reported to my employer the same day, and then was seen in the emergency room the same day as well.

I filled a claim with my employer and was given a list of doctors approved by our workmans comp carrier. I was seen by the doctor on Monday June 29th and it was sent to get an MRI on the 2nd of July.

I went in for a re-visit on July 7th and it was confirmed as a 60% rupture of the right achilles tendon and surgery was scheduled for the 10th of July however workmans comp denied the surgery until one of their doctors was able to read the notes from the surgeon. It took close to two weeks to get the surgery approved.

I received the surgery on the 24th of July and after the surgery i spoke with the surgeon and he informed me that due to the long wait for the surgery I now have a 75% chance of walking with a permanent limp and a little better than 30% chance that I may also need the use of cane.

I really enjoy working where I work and I don't want to cause any problems there. I should mention that I work for the Boy Scouts of America and my job is to work directly with youth from undersreved areas of the Denver area. My question is should I be seeking a lawyer at this point or is to late.

Thank You,

a good rehab Dr. ( Physiatrist) or Sports Med Dr can fix that little problem...maybe get referred after the surgeon finishes stitching you up. He's done his job at that point after all...

I went almost a year before my rupture was surgically repaired. I had several months of physical therapy and my rupture was treated as tendonitis. No one would believe me; probably because I was going thru a breakdown, and dealing with other serious injuries. Once I did have the surgery, I was put in a cast for 1 week, and then in a walking boot. I was able to RTW in 2 weeks, with the walking boot and crutches. My new job required a lot of walking) I wore the walking boot for 4 weeks, then another 2 weeks, then another 4 weeks with a compression stocking for severe swelling, while all along gettng physical therapy 3 times a week. Long story short, I developed RSD and it took almost another year to get someone to even look at my ankle because noone believed me. I felt like I was going to have another breakdown and began having serious emotional problems at work and at home because of the pain. Just this week I started treatments for the RSD in my ankle which has spread to my foot and leg.

The reason I say this is because of Cycler's post:

Not all surgeries are "little Problems" and many times us I/W's are left with life altering injuring which no one will help with; or believe us.

garciasrus, I truly hope this doesn't happen to you. Take care of yourself first and do whatever you have to do. I believe it is too early to tell, or even opinion on by your doctor, whether you will have problems or not. Achlles repairs can take a long time to heal properly. An attorney would be no use to you at this point.

CC:

While there is no excuse for poor medical management, tendon laceration repairs, both acute and delayed ( 4 weeks or more out) are everyday surgeries the world over and with rare exception, heal to full or nearly so function. While no surgery is risk free yours is clearly the exception rather than the rule. Sorry to hear about your CRPS but lets keep a positive spin on things eh ?

well Cycler I used to be a real positive person always my glass was half full...until..................WC then I found out how very wrong things can go ...I was brought up to work hard and pay my own way and I would prosper get the american dream.......I found out you can achive that dream and in an instant a work injury can cost you every thing you own to include your health.....My work injury cost me my job,my co workers,my friends and at one point nearly my life.......its dam hard to find a whole lot positive about the whole deal......except I found this place and friends for life,friends who have been thru the fire with me...I found a church that has taken me in and love me for who I am.....And I know now just who I can count on when push comes to shove...........

Understood. After all, this IS the land of the Outliers.