Work Comp takes TIME

One of the judge's decisions (Handed down in JULY) was that I was to be reimbursed for all out of pocket expenses incurred with the right knee claim.

Dr. Ego, the one who did the surgery on the right knee, required $500 to even talk to my attorney. My up front share of that was $250.00. I paid that in February, I believe. On Saturday, I received a check from my attorney for $250.00.

Still outstanding, besides the medical bills, are a payment for permanent partial disability on the left knee, and a penalty payment of 25% on everything because they did not pay in a timely manner.

We're coming up on two years since the right knee injury. One year this week since I got it fixed.

Eric and I were discussing it this weekend.

My attorney has made an offer to settle on the right knee claim. Yes, they have to pay for my surgery and associated costs (prescriptions etc) but the claim itself is still open, as I have not had a closing exam, permanent degree of disability has not been established.. lots of legal wrangling still to be done.

My guess? Those assholes are going to make me a (lowball) offer in the next week or so, reasoning (incorrectly) that I am just a babysitter, Christmas is coming, and I'll jump at the chance to get a couple extra grand just before the holiday, sign the papers and giggle all the way to the bank.

They don't know me at all.

My prediction? They will make that offer, I will say no, and we'll end up having to head for court again. We'll get to the point of scheduling a hearing, I'll stress over making sure my site is covered by someone competent, I'll lose sleep, and at the last minute we'll reach a more reasonable settlement than the one they're about to make.

Just guessing.

I think it's utterly appalling that a person who is injured on the job should have to fight for coverage. It was a straightforward injury, requiring surgery and recovery. It would have cost the comp insurer far less to just take care of me. But noooo. They decided they did not want to pay. Litigation ensued, the lawyers got richer, I worked for months and months on an injured knee and through the pain that goes with it, and waited.

When I finally couldn't take it anymore, I went and got it fixed, not knowing if they'd ever have to do the right thing and cover it. It has not been a pleasant experience, but I've definitely learned a great deal.

My advice to anyone injured on the job? 
1. Pick up your severed limb
2. Try to package it carefully, although they're no longer recommending you pack the whole thing in ice, as I recall
3. Get someone to drive you to an attorney's office if you're not able to drive yourself and sign papers agreeing to have that attorney represent you in your work comp case.
4. Go to the emergency room or urgent care and have the limb reattached.
5. Wait to be taken care of properly.

So it's taking even more time, but I don't care. My knee has been fixed, they have been ordered to pay for all of it, and they can take the next ten years if they want to.

It's good that I'm not holding my breath waiting, huh?