California Workers Comp...help me please...

[tweety00]

Woah you must work for the same ppl ... that I did .. listen to the others they know what to do ... doxumenr everything

[Lilly]

Hi Swilkes & Welcome to the forum!

So sorry about your injury....it surely swings a simple life routine into a great mess, as you have found. Since your case is quite complicated from the beginning, i also think it's wise to as least talk to a few WC lawyers (you can do this for free over the phone) and ask the questions you specifically need answered. The lawyer will direct you down the correct procedure path...and during the phone conversation, you can rule out who you like & who you don't in case you decide to hire one. A warning...do not choose a TV advertised lawyer, it's a rip off.
Sadly, as most of us on here have learned the hard way...Once you are injured at work, you loose your clout, as people feel you're milking the system. For some reason they feel it's a vacation getting to stay home and draw pay!! They don't think about the pain and hinderance, that you are going through in your life. You will soon find out...who you work friends are...and who is not a true friend. Often the company begins to treat you like crap too. Often one loses their jobs....so be prepared, but don't worry yourself over it, as it may never happen either.
I don't like the lying part either...but they may have wanted you to do this as it'd make the claim easier for WC to accept in their minds. In a way "protecting you" of denial. Do not just drop your case either....as you do not know how well you will heal in the end, and if you'll have a great outcome...or a poor one. You'll also no doubt have to go through wks of physical Therapy (PT)....and this is very expensive.
So hang in there, visit here often, and "ask away" on anything. Lilly

P.S. Here's your state rules: http://www.workerscompensation.com/california.php
read em, and familiarize yourself with your rights.

[swilkes38]

Thank you so much for the kind words Lilly. Everything that you say makes sense. I have gone from very well respected in my company to a nothing and I think that is what contributes to my depression. My kids should be enough to get me up in the morning and I am embarrassed to say it is not. Then guilt sets in because I cant get myself outta this state of whatever I am in. It also seems like more and more is happening because of my injury. I have been on crutches since the 1st of April and my wrists hurt and sometimes have sharp pains I guess from this. I am afraid to say anything to anyone because of the fear of being labeled a milker of the system. It seems you cant win for losing.
I am trying to hang in there and you guys are helping alot. Thanks so much.

[1171]

For help finding attys specializing in workers comp in your area go here
http://www.caaa.org/search_results.asp

input your california zip code in the upper left search box.

[swilkes38]

Thank you for the link. I will definitely call all the choices that came up on that site.

[Lilly]

Hi swilkes,

Your feeling bummmed out about work and how you are currently being treated, is normal...sad to say. Most of the rest of us on here have been through the exact same thing.

Also don't be afraid of being labeled a "Milker"...as most of us on here have also received secondary injuries because of the initial injury. I, injured a shoulder...in turn, the other arm got "overuse syndrome". Some on here have injured knees...which caused the good leg and/or back, to go bad because of the limp.
One thing out of balance on the body effects the body as a whole...so TELL your treating MD about the wrists, and get help.
Good luck swilkes, you're on the prayer list! Lilly

[LadySpark]

Thanks Lilly....swilkes38 here
So the only doctor I have is my ortho surgeon...is this normal? Is this who I should report the pain in my hands and wrists (it is actually more than pain...they go numb all the time and "fall asleep" often) plus sharp pains. Would this ortho doc be my main doc?
When I first broke my leg, I thought, oh ok 6 weeks work from home get better and get my butt back to work...wow how it has all been so very different. I think the older you get the harder you heal. I am still trying to heal the broken leg and now it feels like my whole body is being punished too. Even my self respect and dignity and self worth...etc.

[Lilly]

Yes I would go to the ortho Doc...and make sure you have him document in your records that your wrists are related to the initial injury, caused from using crutches! Have him send you to a neuro. You may have to enter another claim w/ WC to add the wrists....but I'm not positive about this....if no one else answers you on this post...Start a new thread and ask, ok?
Good Luck, Lilly