Is this really how I'm suppose to be treated??

[bodybuilder1958]

I'd personally see about going to both. I would want to know what decisions are being made if any and what they think your 'progress is'.

Have you been released to work? Do you have your doctor's approval to work? Are you safe to work, for both your sake and your prospective employer?

[maint314]

I cant go to both. They are a half hour apart.Would like to though.I went to my doctors office and told him what is going on. He released to try careful return to work at a sedentary and clean air environment. The job isnt sitting on my rear, but it is away from the cobalt and carbide that damaged my lungs.There is no choice here. I cant buy prescriptions, continue treatment, provide xmas, or pay rent. I'm living on ramen noodles and peanut butter and jelly. WC, laywer and doctor has put me in thius spot. I cant wait any longer.none of them are willing to provide anything but frayed nerves and bankruptcy. sick or not I HAVE to do something or as I have said before I will be living in my truck.

[AQA]

I have not read this complete thread. I have been to busy with school.

Anyway, From what little I have read. I am curios as to why you have not applied for unemployment???? Or have you????

I ask the question because of the statement. "He released to try careful return to work at a sedentary and clean air environment."

I understand the prospect of possible future employment, but what happens if you don't get the job???

[freebird]

I would go to the job interview ready to impress with my talents. If you can work, you will be much better off. Working relaxes the mind and also you need these type of finances. You will starve to freaking death on WC or SSDI + the mental anguish and stress.

Good luck and I will be praying you receive this job.

[maint314]

Thanks Freebird.You know, I thought the purpose of WC was to get you better so you could return to work.They have done nothing. Its mind blowing, and I've learned there is absolutely nothing I can do about it. The only thing that has gotten me better is the doctor removing from that work environment. I feel about 70% betterand its been 8 months. i wonder if WC would have provided medical treatment I need I'd be back to 100%.
AQA, The doctor just put it in writing for me that I could return. He told me he wasnt comfortable enough to do it but since I am in the position I am (financial) he would. hopefully I can land a job and get benefits back to continue treatment.

[Cycler]

"Thanks Freebird.You know, I thought the purpose of WC was to get you better?"

no, the purpose of WC is to keep work injury lawsuits from overwhelming of the regular courts. It has very little or nothing to do with getting someone better. It's not a medical system at all.

[maint314]

That is a confusing statement to me. So workers compensation isnt responsible for providing medical treatment for a person who is hurt, or in my case, made sick by their work environment?Isnt that why companies purchase workers compensation insurance from insurance companies?

[Cycler]

WC is responsible once deemed responsible. Since it is not a medical system it's not up to a Dr. to say who is responsible. WC was not designed as a medical system at all, only a means back in the 1900's in the US to provide a tort exemption for employers and unclog the courts by striking a bargain with labor to make it a no-fault system of injury care. While your case may seem straightforward to you and your Dr.s ( although the delay in diagnoses seems to have presented the Drs with some challenges ) you are not entitled to any benefit under WC until the Comp System of your state rules in your favor. Anger and depression are the natural byproducts of the comp system in every state.

[bodybuilder1958]

At one time I waited 13 months for approval for knee arthroscopy, that was August of last year. I've never reached MMI. I fell at home Aug 2007 due to my knee problem, unable to return to work. It took me 18 months to get paid TTD benefits, WC had to pay me all the way back to Sept 2007. Saw another WC doc in June 2009, in one brief swoop he told me to go back to work, no restrictions, that ended my TTD immediately.
Fast forward to Oct 2009, same doctor, gave me back work restrictions, modified work only. So now I'm awaiting a court date to discuss TTD, new joint problems, etc. I might get into the court by January, the judge I see is the worst rated in our area. She might make a ruling 4 months after that.
So Basically I'm screwed, in January we're cashing in my husband's 401K. paying off all of our bills so we can financially make it. It sucks, it's no way to live. The worst is how other parts of my body is effected because I don't get preventative health care. I was told in Oct to go back in 6 months. I won't get that 6 month visit. Just alot of pain.

[Cycler]

WC is responsible once deemed responsible. Since it is not a medical system it's not up to a Dr. to say who is responsible.