help with the waiting game

[panhead]

Hi All,

I am in South Dakota and could really use some encouraging words. My case worker has signed off of my Workers Comp case and now the wait begins. I was told that the Dr. gave me a rating of 42% and that I would receive weekly, monthly or a lump sum from the workers comp division here. This monetary reinbursement would be for 60 weeks worth of my benefits. What I need to know, is how long do I have to wait? Would it be to my benefit to hire an attorney?

Please assist in keeping me from going out of my mind. Oh yea,,I had carpal tunnel surgery on both hands, then both thumbs triggered, and surgury on them. As I was recovering, my right hand fingers triggered and locked,,so I had number 5 surgery in less than a year.

Keep my spirits up.

Panhead

[Sithie]

Welcome Panhead! You are not alone. I would at least consult with an attorney as the consultation is free. Are you happy with your treatment? Have you recovered as well as you think you should have? Will you be able to work again? All this figures into how you agree to a settlement.


Sithie

[sparkey]

Are you working? Doing the job you were before? Have you had a IME? These are just some questions that are still unanswered. I have recurring carpal tunnel and had to leave my job of 15 yrs and find a new career and the doctors all refuse to reopen the carpal area of my dominant hand.

I was given a 19% whole body, and the IC thought that was to high. They set me up with a IME doctor of their lawyers choice and still waiting on the result since April 3rd.

Just when you think things are going smoothly,,,,whamooooo another curve ball gets thrown in. I do not have a lawyer, and hopeing that it does not come down to it. If you have had no need for one, why hire one now? Good luck.

[1171]

i would encourage you start looking for work. Even after the money comes it won't last long and you are going to need a regular income. find anything to bring in a little money; this will keep you from having to rely on workers comp which can be very undependable. Getting even a part time job will give you need independence from the work comp system.

[panhead]

Sithie Wrote:Welcome Panhead! You are not alone. I would at least consult with an attorney as the consultation is free. Are you happy with your treatment? Have you recovered as well as you think you should have? Will you be able to work again? All this figures into how you agree to a settlement.


Sithie

I have consulted an attorney, and he feels we should wait and see the exact dollar amount that workers comp offers. I am still working at the same job, which does pay the bills etc. I was just wondering how long this entire thing will be drawn out.

[panhead]

sparkey Wrote:Are you working? Doing the job you were before? Have you had a IME? These are just some questions that are still unanswered. I have recurring carpal tunnel and had to leave my job of 15 yrs and find a new career and the doctors all refuse to reopen the carpal area of my dominant hand.

I was given a 19% whole body, and the IC thought that was to high. They set me up with a IME doctor of their lawyers choice and still waiting on the result since April 3rd.

Just when you think things are going smoothly,,,,whamooooo another curve ball gets thrown in. I do not have a lawyer, and hopeing that it does not come down to it. If you have had no need for one, why hire one now? Good luck.

Sparkey,

I am not sure what IME and IC stand for so you will have to be more specific. The case worker has signed off on the case and now the waiting begins.

I am still working so, no need for a new job. I have no limits, just that I can not straighten a couple of fingers and I can not close my fist. The Dr. gave me a rating of 42% disablility. Other than that, I know nothing.

[AQA]

IME = independent medical exam
IC = Insurance carrier

The process does take time. There are several variables in the equation. All we can do is One Day At A Time.

Take Care