New here-When will I get paid?

[mre0609]

I hurt my back at work on Feb 24th, 2010. My boss submitted the worker’s comp. claim. I’ve been going to the doctor each week, had an MRI and CT scan, and start physical therapy next week. The doctor still hasn’t released me to go back to work. I live in NC. I still haven’t received any checks from being out of work, so I called the NC worker’s comp office yesterday, and they said they were under the impression that it was a medical only claim, and I told them that I had been out of work for almost a month now, and needed to be paid my portion of lost wages (in NC they pay you 66% of your average pay). So they called back today and said they had 3 weeks to decide whether or not to pay me for lost wages! By the time that is done I will be out for almost 2 months, with no income and bills to pay and I still may get denied lost wages! What do I need to do? Get a lawyer? I can’t afford a lawyer. Please help!

[tpm]

Get a lawyer! He or she will likely take 15-20% of what they recover for you. you don't pay them if they cannot recover your money

[1171]

an atty doesn't deliver mail and he can't make them write a check.
insurance carriers aren't intimidated by lawyers; in fact, it means they won't have to take your calls. if you litigate they can tie the claim up in court for months.
sounds like your employer failed to tell them you were out of work.
if you can't wait 3 weeks maybe your employer will give you a salary advance or pay some of your leave.
it doesn't do any good to get upset; it's best to find out the rules and be patient.

[Manley2]

It took three years to get them to pay me under work comp. Trust me they don't care one bit on how long you are out money or how you will pay your bills. Will say a prayer for you and hope you can get it worked out

[Still in Limbo]

My Suggestion would be to Contact Your Debtors and Explain Your Situation, and See if They will allow You Extensions, some will Work with You. An Attorney while waiting 3 Weeks won't get it to Move any Quicker, so as 1171 Mentioned, as hard as it May be, Patience is Paramount Right Now. If You are eligible, You will be given Back Pay due You, minus any Waiting Period, Mine was 7 Days. If You have any Vacation Days or Sick Days due You that could Help, and if You are Approved You can Pay Yourself Back by putting the Back Pay into a Savings Account. Just a Couple of Thought Starters, I Hope You Receive an Answer soon!

[bronco54501]

As many have said, a lawyer wont speed things up, sad but true... your best bet is and has been said already, and also go to your local food banks / social services and see if you can qualify for any help..
And as 1171 said if you hire a lawyer you loose all comunication, they will not talk to you and only can contact your lawyer... As much as it hurts, treat them kindly because if you get a good adjuster/NCM they will most likely be good to you...

I did retain a lawyer soon after I was hurt, and was told from the get go he couldnt do anything for me since I havd already had the legwork done... Even though I signed with him he also said he will not contact them for 1 main reason... And that is once he starts I can no longer call them... My adjuster/ncm does not know he is waitng for them to try to screw me cause once they do they are jumping in........

[Bummer Knees]

A database of resources is available by doing a search of Unted Way 211.

Then type in your local information and type of need for a list of resources.

[mre0609]

of course the United Way 211 isn't available in my area I guess I will wait out the process and try to be as nice to the insurance lady as possible

[Manley2]

Until they turn you down completely play their game because they can make it very easy or very hard. Most seem to have an okay time with the employer over work comp but allot of the ones that they know are going to cost them allot of money they think it is cheaper to put the money in the fight and hope they come out cheaper. As I said before I wish you the best of luck and will say a prayer

[Bummer Knees]

Please send me a pm with your location and I will see what resources I can locate for you.