First time with Workers Comp

[jack.coughlin]

To set the stage, I live in Texas, and mostly work on a computer program that requires speedy and repetitive work on the number key pad.

The past few weeks my hand has started hurting horribly. So much so that I have been wearing a brace when I sleep. After some research I figure that I've got a case of carpal tunnel, as the pain areas correspond with what I've read.

I informed my boss today that my hand was killing me and he suggested that I switch jobs with another worker for a little while and see if that helps...but I don't think it well. The other job requires some heavy to moderate lifting, and constant work with both hands all day.

Its gotten so bad lately that it hurts just to hold a pen and write and its hard to carry things in my hand.

I've thought about asking my boss about workers comp and getting them to pay for me to at least go to the doctor, but I've one problem.

When I first started my new job a year ago, I mentioned that I might have carpal tunnel and I thought my last job helped give it to me.

I'm afraid that my boss will tell me its a pre-existing condition and that they don't have to pay for it.

Any suggestions or help?

[jayne]

go to the Doc he will tell you if it is a work injury or not how long have you been at this job? someone with this injury will be along shortly to give you more info

[jack.coughlin]

jayne Wrote:go to the Doc he will tell you if it is a work injury or not how long have you been at this job? someone with this injury will be along shortly to give you more info

I've been at this job for over a year.

The bad part is, I don't have insurance ( its offered through work only if I want it) so going to the doctor is expensive for me.

My main concern is, I don't want to tell them to file WC and they come back with stating that its pre-existing therefore they don't have to pay. If it comes to that, I'm pretty sure my boss will find a reason to fire me...this being Texas and him being a f**ktard.

[jayne]

if you have been doing that job for a year just go to your boss or HR person and tell them its a wc issue...then shut up and let the doc do the rest..understand WC is a hard row to hoe......they do not pay for pain and suffering and only pay for doc and meds.....if you are taken off work they will only pay a percentage of your pay.....and it isnt much.....I am in Okla and they paid 66% of my pay but no taxes were taken out of that many states have a cap and that hurts if you are a hi wage earner....AQA is from texas and Undercovrangel is also they will be around to help soon...I believe angels injury is also carpel...hang tight we will be around...... in the mean time go to off topics and get to know the family....

[AQA]

Please forgive me, I thought you said something about working with a computer for a living. If I am correct, YOU ARE NOT A DOCTOR. Hence; the heck with what you told your boss a year ago.

So now, you are afraid that your boss will say it is a pre-exsisting condition. Is your boss a DOCTOR??? HHHMMM, I think not.

To sum the above up. You can not give a medical oppinion nor can your boss give a medical oppinion that anyone is going to pay for. So, enough with that non-sence.

Now, you are worried about being fired. OK, fine. The question I ask is this, Do you plan on living the rest of your life in the condition you are now????? HHHMMM.

If you were injured at work, I would go to the dr. and tell them that the injury happened at work. The dr. office will contact your place of employment and get the info. of the IC so they can be payed.

I would go to work and tell the boss that you are going to a dr. to be seen in reference to you injury. Mind you, I said "I would tell my boss". I said nothing about asking.

I hope the above helps. If you have any questions about Texas WC. just ask. If I did not aswere a question, I probably over looked it. Please ask it again.

[jack.coughlin]

AQA Wrote:Please forgive me, I thought you said something about working with a computer for a living. If I am correct, YOU ARE NOT A DOCTOR. Hence; the heck with what you told your boss a year ago.

So now, you are afraid that your boss will say it is a pre-exsisting condition. Is your boss a DOCTOR??? HHHMMM, I think not.

To sum the above up. You can not give a medical oppinion nor can your boss give a medical oppinion that anyone is going to pay for. So, enough with that non-sence.

Now, you are worried about being fired. OK, fine. The question I ask is this, Do you plan on living the rest of your life in the condition you are now????? HHHMMM.

If you were injured at work, I would go to the dr. and tell them that the injury happened at work. The dr. office will contact your place of employment and get the info. of the IC so they can be payed.

I would go to work and tell the boss that you are going to a dr. to be seen in reference to you injury. Mind you, I said "I would tell my boss". I said nothing about asking.

I hope the above helps. If you have any questions about Texas WC. just ask. If I did not aswere a question, I probably over looked it. Please ask it again.

Put that way, it all makes a little more sense. The doctor I choose, should they be one that can be found through WC or can it be any doctor that applies to be paid>

Thanks again!

[jayne]

do you have an HR person? I was taken to the ER after my injury I do not know what to tell you for yours but if you have and HR that may be a place to start

[AQA]

That is a very good question. Being that you said or lead me to believe "you have no personal health insurance". The issue comes into play wether or not the IC requires you to see an in network dr or not" If not, the dr. you see will nee to be on the "approved dr. list". Is there a notice posted at work that list your rights as an employee???? Or a piece of paper that is posted in reference to WC coverage????? If so, either one would have the contact info for the IC and they can tell you. You can also go to the TDI website and check for approved DR's.

With all that being said, My first visit by a dr was emergency surgery. I am sure he got payed. I had to change drs after that because he was not on an approved list. I never got a bill from him or the hospital after they knew it was WC.. The IC payed for everything.

This site may help you http://www.tdi.state.tx.us/wc/hcprovider...octor.html

One main issue that I see is as follows. When did you know that the injury was a result of work????? I don't need/want an answere to that. If I am not mistaken, the law states that you have 30 days from the date that you knew the injury was work related , to inform the employer. That is the law.

[kate]

Just a quick note... Texas is the only state that does not require an employer to carry workers' comp.

First you need to find out if they are a "subscriber" (carry WC) or non-subscriber" (No WC)

You can start here to look up whether or not they are covered: https://txcomp.tdi.state.tx.us/TXCOMPWeb...ackCache=Y

If you don't find them there, do not assume they aren't covered. Databases are only as good as the info put into them.

If you don't find anything try calling 800-252-7031 (Injured Employee Hotline)

[AQA]

Hey, Sis. That is great info. and thanks for keeping me honest.