Tn, in desperate need of advise

[Manley2]

I wish I could do it without a lawyer but I know I would be without a job right now and no money. My work would have fired me 2 years ago when they suspended me for nothing and left me off work for 5 months before bringing me back.

[GOTPAIN]

If you are able to return to your employer at the same rate of pay or above the 1.5 x multiplier is generally what you can count on, if you cannot return to your previous line of work or are given a postion because of medical restrictions that results in a reduced rate of pay or if your employer terminates your employment for any reason other than misconduct for example you can look at 2 - 6 x multiplier.
Now even if you return to your previous position at the same rate of pay and you have already settled, if anytime within I believe the weeks alloted for your injury you are terminated for again anything other than misconduct you can reopen your case and proceed for the added multiplier...

[GOTPAIN]

Also, they are not just going to use your impairment rating given by your doctor, some where along the line it is going to be figured in an disability rating, in an vocational aspect..I cant explain that one lol..
I do know if you contact the state board they can sometimes assist on figuring an disability rating.

[mistreated]

In TN once you are at MMI you have to request a hearing and one will be set within 30 days. A mediator is at the settlement conference and they facilitatie the meeting.

[bagpussinamerica]

I am really very sorry that you are going through all of this. I can not imagine how much effort you must be putting in just to go back to work with the pain and the disability. What I find odd though, is that if you have been placed at 20% disablitity, then why were you not offered by vocational rehab. some sort of retraining programme into a job that would be more suitable. It is clear that you didn't return to your old job, and now your current job looks risky as well. I would certainly ask some questions. I am not very clear on all of the workmans comp issues myself, but one thing I do know...don't give in and keep asking questions. Someone will have some answers.

[Lilly]

Hi there,

Let me ask you this....Did you happen to loose your big toes, or toe? As in your feet, the 'big toes' are your balancers...loosing one or both of them screws your balance up for life. A friend of ours lost his big toe in an industrial accident and simply by loosing that one toe he is considered 30% disabled.
A lawyer (even tho he gets his cut of settlement $$) can also get you the amount you are due. Don't let the IC cut you short on settlement!
I have been in limbo w/ my settlement now for a couple years...it does not happen quickly.
Good luck to you, & hang in there!! Lilly