Totally Confused and In a Panic State

[st. clare]

California: Ok my Injury was in May 2009 the IC took 90 days and decided to Deny my claim stating I did not prove it was work related. I obtained a lawyer in July, In August I had a deposition at which time my attorney and the IC attorney agreed to an AME. The IC also agreed to pay me TTD benefits starting in August 2009 (but not retro to date of injury) until AME decision. I just had the AME on February 25th 2010 but do not know the results yet, I have left messages for my attorney but no response. I have received nothing in the mail regarding the AME decision. The IC is NOT reimbursing for medical cost or mileage to and from medical,and therapy appointments. I received a check in the mail today thinking it was my TTD benefit check, but it is a check for way way less and on it is says payment type: Permanent Disability Advance.

What does this mean? I do not know what is going on. Does this mean it is accepted but I am permanent and stationary? Does this mean it is accepted and they should pay for mileage and medical now? I don't know what the status is of my claim now I just know that I cannot live on the permanent disability benefit I barely was making it on the TTD benefits if you even call that making it. But now I am in a state of Panic because of course here it is the weekend and I cannot contact anybody for answers. I can only come to the safety of this forum for support

[Bad Boy Bad Boy]

It's an Advance on what will be owed you in the future.

[st. clare]

thanks for replying Bad Boy, but I am still confused.

Does that mean my claim is accepted now and they will have to reimburse for TTD not paid from date of injury to August 2009 when they agreed to pay TTD benefits pending AME?

Does that mean I can send in and get reimbursed for mileage for all of the medical/therapy appointments since date of injury which is nearly a years worth?

I don't know what the AME report said. I don't know if I am rated or what?

when was it determined to stop TTD and start weekly PD checks? Does this mean a settlement offer will be thrown to me? Do I continue to go to all of my currently scheduled appointments? Do I ask the Dr at my next appt if he knows anything about if I am permanent and stationary or what? Can I be asked to be released back to work? I have been Temporarily Totally Disabled per my physician this whole time. I definitely cannot survive on the small amt of PD weekly benefit checks.

These are all questions that I need answers to. Again I have received no communication either via phone or written from my attorney or the IC attorney.

[1171]

maybe.
it depends on what the AME says about your disability period.
disability can only be paid if the time is authorized by the AME.
most likely the medical will be covered unless there are other issues that have been raised about it; in which case it depends on if the AME says the treatment was reasonable and necessary.
if the AME report has been received then you are luckier then many who wait much longer.
it doesn't help to guess; wait until you have the facts and details.
depending on your disability status you can file for unemployment or sdi.

[st. clare]

1171 Wrote:maybe.
it depends on what the AME says about your disability period.
disability can only be paid if the time is authorized by the AME.
most likely the medical will be covered unless there are other issues that have been raised about it; in which case it depends on if the AME says the treatment was reasonable and necessary.
if the AME report has been received then you are luckier then many who wait much longer.
it doesn't help to guess; wait until you have the facts and details.
depending on your disability status you can file for unemployment or sdi.

thank you for replying 1171--I know that I need more facts. It is just frustrating that I have received no information as to whether or not the AME report has been received and had no warning that I would be taken off TTD benefits and put on PD benefit checks which are substantially lower. Thus it has thrown me into an even worse financial situation. I hope all will be cleared up soon. I hope more than anything then I can get back to some form of work if I can't I fear I will be facing eviction again and an increase in the number of bill collectors calling as if not enough of them are calling already. Question: Is it normal that injured workers benefit checks are changed from one type like TTD to PD without some form of communication letting the injured worker know about the change in status ahead of time?

[1171]

yes, it's normal.
most would rather have the check then a letter telling them that one was coming.
It's not like the carrier/employer knew ahead of time when they'd get the report.

since you are P&S then you can file for unemployment.

serious injuries and illness generally throws one's routine into unpredictability.
not knowing when you'll be able to work or how fast you'll recover or what type of restrictions you'll have or how you'll feel that day means only very short term planning is available-especially when you are not prepared for negative contingencies.
even the minimal safety net of comp insurance is little substitute when the patterns of normal living are interrupted.
Health issues present some of greatest obstacles affecting one's quality of life.
it's amazing how much we take it for granted and how little planning or preparation most of us do for times when we don't have it.

if you need help dealing with the emotional issues of coping with your situation discuss it with your doctor and ask for a referral for counseling. It's common to be overwhelmed. look for support groups within your church or social community; the multiple issues involved make it difficult to handle by yourself.

[BooBoosNeck]

1171 Wrote:yes, it's normal.
most would rather have the check then a letter telling them that one was coming.
It's not like the carrier/employer knew ahead of time when they'd get the report.

since you are P&S then you can file for unemployment.

serious injuries and illness generally throws one's routine into unpredictability.
not knowing when you'll be able to work or how fast you'll recover or what type of restrictions you'll have or how you'll feel that day means only very short term planning is available-especially when you are not prepared for negative contingencies.
even the minimal safety net of comp insurance is little substitute when the patterns of normal living are interrupted.
Health issues present some of greatest obstacles affecting one's quality of life.
it's amazing how much we take it for granted and how little planning or preparation most of us do for times when we don't have it.

if you need help dealing with the emotional issues of coping with your situation discuss it with your doctor and ask for a referral for counseling. It's common to be overwhelmed. look for support groups within your church or social community; the multiple issues involved make it difficult to handle by yourself.

Very very nicely put

[st. clare]

1171 Wrote:yes, it's normal.
most would rather have the check then a letter telling them that one was coming.
It's not like the carrier/employer knew ahead of time when they'd get the report.

since you are P&S then you can file for unemployment.

serious injuries and illness generally throws one's routine into unpredictability.
not knowing when you'll be able to work or how fast you'll recover or what type of restrictions you'll have or how you'll feel that day means only very short term planning is available-especially when you are not prepared for negative contingencies.
even the minimal safety net of comp insurance is little substitute when the patterns of normal living are interrupted.
Health issues present some of greatest obstacles affecting one's quality of life.
it's amazing how much we take it for granted and how little planning or preparation most of us do for times when we don't have it.

if you need help dealing with the emotional issues of coping with your situation discuss it with your doctor and ask for a referral for counseling. It's common to be overwhelmed. look for support groups within your church or social community; the multiple issues involved make it difficult to handle by yourself.

thank you 1171 all of that makes sense. Once I know more of the facts I will know in what direction I have to go. As far as Church and Social Community well I wasn't in California long enough before my injury to make such connections and being basically limited to staying in my apt except for medical appts makes it difficult to make friends. I am alone except for my small dog. My family is 1500 miles away and unable to help and blame me for being out here in the first place. So my social community are my online friends/forums. thank you and have a wonderful Easter.