Sorry for the long post. Just very worried and not sure where else to go. My lawyer is out of town for 2 weeks on vacation.
I was injured on the job in California, in Feb 2008. Been on temporary disability ever since. Have had 2 back surgeries(not fusions) since the accident for multiple things but mainly for ruptured discs due to the accident.
My ex-employers carrier is **no names please**
I am currently(not by choice) a stay at home dad of 2 young children. My wife works about 60 hours a week to support us. This has been going on since the accident. It has been 2 years since my last surgery and while I am in quite a bit of pain I am able tolerate it currently but unable to do much physical activity.
My neurosurgeon and orthopedist both recently recommend a fusion for 3 discs. My pain management doctor has recommended that I hold off as long as possible and only get the fusion as a last resort.
Workman's comp has denied my doctors request for the fusions and for additional pain management. I was sent to see a QME and he agreed that I needed the fusion surgery. Work Comp filed for a "Mandatory Settlement" which my lawyer attended but to no avail. I now have to go to court at the end of the month.
I am very worried about having the Spinal Fusion. I have talked with various doctors, friends, and neighbors who have had experience with spinal fusions and there seems to be a lot of mixed reviews. The first 2 surgeries were not successful. I am worried that this surgery will follow the same trend. Also I am afraid that if I have the surgery the additional strain on my family could be the end of my marriage.
Is the insurance company trying to force me to take a settlement?
If the judge decides that surgery is valid do I have to have it immediately?
If I chose not to have the surgery will I be at risk of losing future medical coverage for my injury?
I really just don't know what to do or where to turn to. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.
I was injured on the job in California, in Feb 2008. Been on temporary disability ever since. Have had 2 back surgeries(not fusions) since the accident for multiple things but mainly for ruptured discs due to the accident.
My ex-employers carrier is **no names please**
I am currently(not by choice) a stay at home dad of 2 young children. My wife works about 60 hours a week to support us. This has been going on since the accident. It has been 2 years since my last surgery and while I am in quite a bit of pain I am able tolerate it currently but unable to do much physical activity.
My neurosurgeon and orthopedist both recently recommend a fusion for 3 discs. My pain management doctor has recommended that I hold off as long as possible and only get the fusion as a last resort.
Workman's comp has denied my doctors request for the fusions and for additional pain management. I was sent to see a QME and he agreed that I needed the fusion surgery. Work Comp filed for a "Mandatory Settlement" which my lawyer attended but to no avail. I now have to go to court at the end of the month.
I am very worried about having the Spinal Fusion. I have talked with various doctors, friends, and neighbors who have had experience with spinal fusions and there seems to be a lot of mixed reviews. The first 2 surgeries were not successful. I am worried that this surgery will follow the same trend. Also I am afraid that if I have the surgery the additional strain on my family could be the end of my marriage.
Is the insurance company trying to force me to take a settlement?
If the judge decides that surgery is valid do I have to have it immediately?
If I chose not to have the surgery will I be at risk of losing future medical coverage for my injury?
I really just don't know what to do or where to turn to. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you for your time.