Workers' Compensation Discussion Forums

In my previous job from 2002 to 2007, I injured my back from manualy picking up heavy rolls of paper. I worked in a printiing shop. The company did not provide equipment to lift the rolls. I was only there maybe 6 mos. and I had siactic nerve problems. Time went on and I had server injury and went to the clinic. They took exrays and found my back was inflamed and siactic nerve pain. Prescribed medications and was put on resrictions. I never got better. I had injury over injury for 5 years. My plant supervisor got very mad that i went to their clinic, so the kind of person I am, I get intimitated very easily. I was afraid to complain again. What a big mistake that was!!!!!!!! This a very long story..........I'm trying to get to the point. Finially, I had insurance, I took it upon my self to get help. So, I went to back specilist and he scheduled me for an MRI and diagnois with a herniated disc. I have problem sitting and standing. He recomended I get physical therpy. I thought " that's not going to work" and it did'nt. I happen to mention to my supervisor what the diagnoisis was and within one day she told everyone in the front office and surprise, I had all sit down jobs for the next 8 mos. Is'nt that strange???? Well, sitting only made it worst, I was i sooo much pain all the time. Finally, 8 mos later, I got laid off! I was so happy I ran out of there so fast. That was Jan 2007. I collected unemployment 6 mos and relaxed for a while. I was hoping my back would get better in time, well, it didi'nt. With unemployment rising in Michigan it was difficult to find work. When I did, I found I could'nt hold down a job because no matter what kind of job I get, the pain is still there. Now it's Aug 11, 2009, and I can't find work and I can't work. I need advice as to what to do. I did file disibility and was denied. Lack of documention and what nots. I don't want disiblilty, I want my back fix so I can return to work with out pain. I'm so frustrated and don't know where to go for help.
Kitsa Mina

Hi Kit,

Did you ever fill out a work injury claim on your most recent back injury?
Also, one can file a cumulative injury (meaning it happened over a length of time, much like carpal tunnel syndrome does) but you would most likely need medical documentation to prove it. Have you been seeing a doctor for this over the years? Does he have it documented that it was caused by work?

Lilly