What is next for me?

[pote2002]

I was injured in September of 2006, actually on the job. I have been through four operations on my leg, having a knee replacement as the 4th operation, the first of September this year. I know my time as a bi-weekly paid recipient on WC is coming to a close. I imagine the knee replacement is about all they can do for me now, so I guess my question is ..now that I have been released by my company, after exhausting my 6 months of family leave, and the Doc will say that’s all they can do, what happens next? I have no job to go back too, I cannot perform the physical duties of my profession, so what can I expect?

Will WC try to settle with me, as young as I am, my knee will need to be replaced in 15-20 years, so I guess I need to leave medical open. Will my Temporary Total Disability checks stop immediately, when the Doc says that’s all they can do, or will I get some sort of grace period?

Should I get a lawyer, or is it too late? I have had no issues with WC to date, checks started coming immediately, I was employed in KY, although I Live in OH.

[Jaycojade]

I'd start lookin for a WC atty now; first visits are usually free. So start lookin now.

[Kentuckygal]

I am pretty much were you are doc says theres nothing else he can do now and that i can not go back to work witch i no longer have a job anyway but i dont know what is next I did talk to a atty and he said to come back after i had had a rating dont know when that will be

[sparkey]

Well i am at MMI since the end of Aug. I did speak to a person that works for workers comp. and she told me to NOT wait for the ic to make your impairment rating appt. I called the occupational doctor right away to set up an appt. for a PI rating and have one now Dec. 7th. Do not sit around waiting after put at MMI for them to call you.

Find a doctor you feel comfortable with, as i used the one i had that said he would do my rating. By me going to that doctor i was able to get in sooner cause he knows my case. If they do not know your case it will take longer for them to read it all over before your appt. You will have to have your IC approve of your doctor for the rating as they have to sign a legal form and fax it to the doctor approving it before you can make your appt. Just do not wait for them to call you. It will not happen as soon as you would like.

[papagil]

Had knee surgery 6mos. ago, went through therapy etc. and knee still feels "loose", like it wants to dislocate.Also pain from bone on bone situation and still swelling from overuse.WC is now cutting my benefits as they say I am not 100% disabled. My Doc says I am. I cannot go back to my very physical profession of 40 years and perform safely and satisfactorily.I am 61 and applied for SSDI 4 months ago. Everything up in the air right now, but I have a SS lawyer & a WC lawyer also...I think that is a necessity to have any hope in this very confusing and intimidating system.