Should I look for anothe lawyer?

[jimmyo1]

Hello all, and Happy New Year,

It has been a while since I've posted a thread. I'm the nurse from California. Quite a few things have taken place since I last posted.
Just a brief scenario. Was injured at work almost a year ago. I Work in a long term acute care hospital, most patients are on ventilators and complete care. So I was constantly turning and pulling on patients. MRI showed multiple disc protrusions largest at C-3-4, C-5- T7, T1-2 with large posterior disc and spondylosis of cervical and thoracic. Also some moderate stenosis.

Was being treated by Ortho doc. during the course of treatment had a few falls. I would lose my balance or sometimes my leg would give out. I told the doc that I was starting to get lumbar and sciatic pain down left bottuck and leg. Toward the end of treament with the Ortho doc he requested an MRI of the lumbar. W/C refused. I had the MRI done with my on insurance not knowing that W/C would finally approve.

At that time I was released from the ortho doc care to a pain/rehab doc. When I had my first visit with him he would not look at my lumbar MRI even though W/C authorized it. This doc would not perscribe any pain meds or even renew the prescription for the Lyrica which does help the arm and leg pain. He started me on the Lidiocane patch which doesn't help much. My second visit he orded a Tens unit, which I just got instruction on how to use today. I asked him to perscribe a muscle relaxer he refused, "stated lets try the tens for now," and see you back in four weeks. So I leave the doc's office today with paper work for my employer and noted that the diagnosis is, neck and thoracic sprain. The ortho doc who first treated me had my diagnosis, as Cervical Spondylosis with mylopathy which was my diagnosis since April. I was very upset. I called the doc's office and was told that this doc has since October been writing this diagnosis. Although it has not been printing that out on the release back to work paper.

I called my lawyer and as always he was not available, so I spoke to his assistant. She does not know the difference between a sprain verses Cervical Spondylosis. She stated that, "they have not received any reports from the sports medicine doc."

I'm starting to wonder If I should start looking for another lawyer. The only time they contacted me was to tell me that I would be seeing a QME next month and that these issues will be addressed.

I have been out of work for ten months now. Was suppose to return to work months ago but my doc kept me out because of spondylolisthesis with S1 nerve compression. My private ortho doc is saying that I may need (Spinal fusion) if conservative treatment does not work. I'm to try two epidurials if that does not relieve the pain then surgery is the next step. I have been dealing with the neck, upper back injury since 2/23/08 and the lumbar and sciatic pain since 5/2008. I've applied for SSD and was denied. I'm appealing.Currently receiving state disability for now its not much, but something better then nothing.

I'm tired of seening so many docs. Will be seeing a pyschiatrist for depression a week from now. I need some advice, please. Does anyone think I should look for another attorney?

[oblivyous]

Jimmy ,
Hi there. Your lawyer sounds about like any other lawyer. Theres not a whole lot they can do between hearings. 10 months is not a long time considering there are many here whos cases have dragged on for yrs. Mine is 7 yrs old . Im from NY. Workers comp is such a crappy hand to be dealed. We all go thru depression because of the pain , our health , money , transportation and everything else ! Lives completely ruined because of an injury. You feel alone and isolated. We all understand everything your going thru and are here to talk or answer questions . This forum really helps to get us thru the day.
PS Your pain management Dr sounds like a twit to me. I would ditch his butt ! Sher

[1171]

you should only get another lawyer if they will do the kind of job you want.
My experience is that your current lawyer is very typical. you may have to interview many attorneys before you find one that may be better.
workers comp in california is a low paying, volume-type practice. the only way you'll get the complete attention to your case that you expect is to do much of the work yourself. that's why learning the comp rules and information can be important.

[Still in Limbo]

I Agree with 1171 about Learning Your States w/c Rules, they can be Pretty Confusing, but You'll get the Basic Gist of it if You Spend some Time Reviewing it. As far as Your Attorney, Just My Opinion, Make a List of ALL of Your Concerns, Call and Make a Set-Down Appt. and Discuss Everything on Your List. If after that You are not Satisfied that the Attorney is Acting in Your Best Interest, You May want to Look for another. But I know Folks who have done this Before, and they Usually Walked away from the Meeting Understanding Much More, and why Their Attorney's do what they do. Best of Luck, and Please Keep Us Informed!!