New Jersey worker comp

[darrinb]

Hi everyone,

Here is my story I work for **edited by moderator - no names please** and had a fall at work. While I was replacing a line to a house my ladder had kick out from me. I was about 2 story up (just above the 2nd fl window near the roof).

I had injured my back as well as my left hand in Feb 2008. I had back pain & my left hand was swollen. WC agree to settle on the back problem only. We had settle with a stipulation that I can reopen my case within 2 years.

About 6-7 months after my settlement my back pain came back. I requested to see a doctor but got the run around. My lawyer also got the run around. Finally after over a year they agreed to reopen my case. Now I will need surgery with only a 50/50 chance or recovery. I was told that I may not be able to return to my job as a tech.

Since the closing of the first case I have received about a $8 increase. I will be out of work for 3 month after my surgery.

My questions:
1) Will I be paid at my old salary or new salary under worker comp.
2) If I am not able to return to work at all what kind of compensation will I receive.
3) Should I look at getting another lawyer? (Don't understand why it took over a year for him to get my case open again)

Thanks

[1171]

1)disability payment calculation will be based on wages at date of injury.
2) until your condition reaches maximum medical improvement you are entitled temporary disability payments. after MMI your work status does not determine any additional payments.
3) without knowing the details I cannot comment on your attys performance. performance is measured more by the issues then the time.
talk to other attys before deciding to switch.

more information New Jersey comp benefits here
http://lwd.state.nj.us/labor/wc/workers/...index.html

[darrinb]

(02-05-2012 04:44 PM)1171 Wrote:  1)disability payment calculation will be based on wages at date of injury.
2) until your condition reaches maximum medical improvement you are entitled temporary disability payments. after MMI your work status does not determine any additional payments.
3) without knowing the details I cannot comment on your attys performance. performance is measured more by the issues then the time.
talk to other attys before deciding to switch.

more information New Jersey comp benefits here
http://lwd.state.nj.us/labor/wc/workers/...index.html

If I am out of work for 3 month after surgery and is paid based on my earning in 2008 (date of injury) can I collect long term or short term disability? I had opt in to have the additional coverage for long term disability at work.

[1171]

I'm not familiar with the provisions of your disability contracts and whether they exclude, include, or offset worker's comp disability payments.
you should review those coverages or contact the disability carrier for details.

[darrinb]

(02-07-2012 02:40 PM)1171 Wrote:  I'm not familiar with the provisions of your disability contracts and whether they exclude, include, or offset worker's comp disability payments.
you should review those coverages or contact the disability carrier for details.

Thanks you have been very helpful