not sure what to do

[rod2120]

PT agrees with the doctor, because they were able to get my full range of motion back. I told them i was able to get my range before the surgery, but that doesnt mean there isnt old and new pains still. The PT people where great, but even they said there might be something the doctor missed or didnt consider.

[rod2120]

i just called the IC. They told me im a hard person to get a hold of, not sure what they mean by that but ok. So i told them the doctor says im clear to return on 6/4, but that i want a second opinion. They told me he was my second opinion, and i asked how she meant as he was the first doctor they sent me too. She said the ER doctor was my first opinion.

I told her the ER doctor told me he could not diagnose my problem, and the first opinion ever presented to me was their doctor, and she told me she would call me back. The IC also told me i will recieve no benifits as of 6/4 because i will then be cleared for work. I explained to her, even though we just had this conversation, that this was the need for a second opinion. I am now worse off then when they started, and it is their obligation to fix it.

Am i going to simply get sent to a WC friendly doctor and dismissed?

[rod2120]

one more question that just came to me. One of the top orthopedic doctors/surgeons in the area is the same doctor that i was sent to for my WC related car accident case. In that case (a little over a year ago) i was accused by the IC of riding my dirtbike while out on WC. The pictures they took were of my brother, but this particular doctor had a serious attitude towards me because of the IC's accusation. He discontinued my treatment, and i ended up seeking a lawyer.

I mention that to ask you this. What if they choose this doctor to be my second opinion? Can i refuse him as the doctor? Do i have a choice? I never saw my day in court over the other case, and my IC in that case still insists i was riding a dirtbike. I feel if they send me to that doctor i have no chance of recieveing fair treatment.

[Wink]

Rod, you've gotten some really good advice so far.  From all that you offered and asked regarding your case, it appears like you are in dire need of a Lawyer who specializes in Workers' Comp--one who knows the particular ropes thereof.  If I were in your shoes, I wouldn't wait a another day longer!  Good luck!

[Still in Limbo]

Wink and the others are right, you need counsel, and you need it now, the clock is ticking!! A Workers Comp. Certified Attorney may be able to slow things down for you and not have your checks stop on 6/4 until you receive a second opinion. And I'm not sure of your State's Laws, but here in Pa. we get to choose our second opinion Dr.. Please get a w/c certified attorney right after the Holiday to look at your case, I think that's the only way you are going to get the help you need! Best of Luck, and please keep us informed!

[rod2120]

Thanks guys. My laywer is out of his office until monday, but i will definitly be getting in touch with him.

[Pooh]

Might be tuesday Rod - since Monday is a holiday - Memorial Day

[Jaycojade]

I don't know the NJ wc laws; but to me your IC is starting their "well known" games with you. (refusing a second opinion & screwing around with your checks) I went thur the same thing (& probably will be again shortly as my injury date anny is coming up soon ~~ "we're all just a number")   My atty had to file an appeal against them about my checks being so messed up (being late from a few days to a week & 1/2 -- on & off for months) then the checks started coming regular as the court date neared.  (Keep the envelopes of each of your checks --it has the post dates on them; I stapled the envelopes & stubs together & kept them; until it all got straightened out)
   As for being released back to work; after my surgeries; my atty stated I had to go back to work; or my wc benefits would be shut off.  I had 3 different offers from my employer. I worked with the pain until I could not stand it & then went to the ER. (I worked in a hospital) --- Either go to the ER -- OR call your family dr for an appt. right away; (Make another appt with the IC dr too --- gotta keep him updated)    IF your pain is unbearable or any other problems with your injury comes up and you can't do your job. (make sure you get a slip stating no work or when you can return --- get copies -- give 1 to your boss & 1 to HR & 1 for your atty & then keep the original).  
  One job I tried lasted 3 days; another a month (I couldn't do the whole 8 hour days that I was suppose to; but I did try to do them).

One more thing --- *stay with-in your restrictions*; do not do more than what you are allowed.
  If you go into work & last 7 minutes or 6 hours --- you are giving an effort & that's important when it comes time for you to go in front of the judge.
Your atty might say "give it a try" or he might say "don't even try it" at this time. He ALSO will probably give you a name of a good ortho dr;  that will be "on your side".    Once; you do have an atty; let him handle the IC -- ((the IC & case manager's can really be mean & nasty sometimes & they are not on your side at all)).
Good luck & keep us posted.

[rod2120]

Well my lawyer actually called me back today, as i left him a message yesterday. I brought him up to speed and he has me coming in tuesday morning, since hes closed monday, to discuss how we are going to deal with them.

I just got my paycheck for 5/6-5/15 this past monday, and i still have not seen the check i should have got on tuesday for 5/15-5/22. I called the IC and they never even answer the phone, its insane. They owe me this weeks check, and on tuesday another one is due. They cant keep screwing me like this. If i dont have my checks before tuesday my car will be repossed. A minor 252.00 a week is crap to begin with.

My car insurance is 290.00/mo. My car is 250, my rent is 150 a week, etc. ts 1140 a month just in those three, with 1,000 coming in. I lost my car insurance, my bank account is -700.00, my cell phone has been shut off, im behind in my rent. I mean jesus i cant live like this. I only made this crummy 9/hr at work but i had the ability to work o/t. i have never been this broke/overextended/stressed in my entire life. It's not like i can work because if they catch me im screwed.

Sorry, needed to rant

[rod2120]

Yea i will not being talking to the IC directly anymore. As for work, we have one position and one only and this place is deadly. There is literally no limited duty or alternate position, and my boss has told the IC that more than a few times. I will most likely see my family doctor this week, i want to see what the lawyer says tuesday