AQA Wrote:Some more info would be needed to answer your questions. Your injury was to your lower back. Was there surgery, And what state are you in.

I also worked in the trades.( not a plumber ). when I was released to go back to work on light duty, My boss made accomidations. That lasted for six months. Then I was back off work and my monitary benefits started again.

tj and angel Wrote:well hurt lower back in jan.and now doc had me have an f/c/e and the findings were i can only do medium work which my work is heavy its plumbing and by the way f/c/e is full of it im hurt worse than that but anyway doc says return to work with restrictions no lifting over 20 and no bending at waist my boss said he cant use me and said w/c adj. said to just keep everything the same with me not working so what can i exspect and whats next!!!

NewDriver Wrote:thanks for the advise and i do have a lawyer but i cant get a straight answer out of him and before my f/c/e i was told by the doc. that i was at mmi so is this were the settl.talks start?
Hey Tj and Angel, I am also from GA. I am also released to light duty with a no driving restriction. KInd of hits me hard on that one as I drive a truck for a living. My employer also can not accomodate my limitations and has NOT been ugly about any of it. The IC has so far done what they are supposed to by way of medical care, reimbursements, and TTD. Things have gone way too slow for my liking as I am just now going next Monday to get my surgery scheduled for my torn rotator cuff. Had this been done in the first month after PT failed to help I would pretty much be healed up from it by now. I was injured mid March this year. I did start pain management this past week as I also have some pretty serious damage in my cervial spine. Don't know what the resolution will be for that, long term.

In GA we are entitled to 52 weeks of TTD or 78 if periods of partial disability is interrupted with periods of total disability as 1171 posted for you. When PTD starts at 52 or 78 weeks which ever is the case then you will drop from whatever your current TTD pay is to $300.00/week regardless of what your AWW was at the time of your injury.

When your reach maximum medical improvement, MMI, you should begin settlement talks with the IC. This is not a road to travel alone and an attorney can be very beneficial at the settlement phase if you have not had to retain one prior to withholding of benefits. There is much to be considered at the settlement stage beyond just the TTD payment that will be based on your total % of permanent disability. Future medical care is a huge issue with any injury that is not actually healed and needs fruther treatment even if just pain managemnet.

As 1171 suggested the handbook has some very good information. Some of the statues are a bit vague but for the most part it is straight forward. Holler back if we can help you sipher any of it .

ND