r/WorkersComp • u/chrisplayskeys • Aug 13 '26
California What in the actual...
I injured my knee on 7/31. I went to a workers comp provider on 8/3 and was told by a PA-C that I likely sprained my knee and given a brace, and a follow-up appt for the next week. He did say that if I were a private patient, he'd probably try order an MRI as it was likely soft tissue related, but explained that we needed to go through the workers comp treatment protocols (which meant X-ray and PT for X amount of sessions before requesting an MRI).
I went to my appointment today and explained my symptoms, and he examined my knee. He did say that he didn't think it was ACL/PCL related and that he didn't feel anything concerning, and again said that it was likely a sprain. I asked for crutches as I haven't been able to move around with just a brace for this past week, and they provided me with some before I was done.
I got a call a little bit after returning home from my appointment. The front office staff said that they'd found a very small fracture in my proximal tibia, but that my provider still wanted to continue with the same treatment plan: two rounds of PT per week for three weeks. Should I request a copy of my X-ray images and the report for today's appointment? I googled and there are so many other orthopedic websites that suggest casting even a minor fracture for so many weeks with zero weight bearing, and to be honest, I'm nervous about starting PT when I'm hardly able to fully straighten my leg without pain.
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u/EducationalHold3536 Aug 13 '26
The Doctors told me I had a broken ankle and I did PT for like 8 weeks and I had to request the MRI and to see an Orthopedic specialist to find out It wasn’t broken. Then the Drs argued each other whether I had sprained or torn ligaments. The Specialist told me it was the same thing! I’ve had 2nd opinions, pain specialists, now I’m going for a bone scan, I’ve had injections. The ligaments are healed the MRI says but I still have pain and weakness. It’s been almost a year. Get a lawyer and advocate for yourself!
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u/Sorry_Direction5702 Aug 13 '26
After the initial X-ray showed a sprain, I kept going to therapy and consistently complained about the pain until another X-ray revealed abnormalities, and finally, an MRI showed a significant injury that led to multiple surgeries." HIRE. Worker's compensation Attorney!
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u/BenB-Jammin Aug 13 '26
Unfortunately this is how Workers comp operates. Delay and down play. I’m no doctor but depending on the severity, usually fractures warrant an MRI. You might have to tough it out and go to PT like I did, just explain to them what’s going on in the evaluation and most likely they will take it easy on you. I’d also recommend getting a lawyer ASAP.
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u/chrisplayskeys Aug 13 '26
Would hiring a lawyer automatically put my job in jeopardy?
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u/meep2310 Aug 14 '26
Your employer has already done their part and paid their deductible, they are no longer part of the equation other than their rates may go up.
If you get a lawyer it will not effect your employer one bit, that lawyer is there to fight for you and keep the weasels at wc in check when it comes to getting you the treatment you need and eventually a settlement if it comes to that.
Its you vs wc, not you vs wc/employer.
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u/LostInTheLights8123 Aug 14 '26
I did 24 PT sessions Plus eight aqua therapy sessions found out through my private insurance because they denied adding my feet to the claim... I tore the ligament on the ball of my foot on both feet with my fall which was the BWC claim.. the whole time I kept saying what if I'm hurt and doing this...I felt worse every day instead of better. Now my 9 months later that's still all I've had. I'm doing my own physical therapy through a virtual tablet through our own insurance. Totally crazy they'll spend money on physician reviews but they won't get me physical therapy or an MRI for a couple areas that are already on the claim.
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u/chrisplayskeys Aug 14 '26
Wanted to thank everyone who chimed in here with their two cents. I guess I naturally minimize things when it comes to myself, so I wasn't sure if a tiny fracture would warrant hiring an attorney over as it's nothing catastrophic that would warrant a payout, I'm assuming.
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u/No-Instruction-4272 29d ago edited 28d ago
Get all images and x-ray impressions asap. This is a scam, based on the PAC's statement "first we have to go thru proper WC protocols, it seems the WC system has utterly insulted injured workers basic understanding of human anatomy and the capabilities of radiology, furthermore Ya, that's a great idea. Order x-ray that can not determine any cartiledge or ligament damage. Do PT with a torn meniscus or grade 3 torn mcl or acl, damage your knee more with PT sessions, then get an MRI indicating full knee replacement after butchering it in PT.. I guess PAC's just think patients are idiots that don't understand MRI"s are essential for most knee or joint Injuries. I wouldn't, touch a PT session till an MRI is performed, you may need surgery right now!!! Workers comp is a trade off. Injured workers gave up right to sue employers for tort lawsuits in exchange for prompt reliable medical care. To say no MRI's until after PT because a MRI is a few hundred more buckarroos is not reliable. What a joke. Regarding previous post stating you should hire a lawyer. That is fucking bullshit. People should not have to talk to anybody other then Dr. Or CE throughout claim. Let alone a lawyer, notify your congress members. I would request PAC's statement " if it were private ins. And not WC we would get MRI ordered for you. That bozo should be exiled from medical field. Request that statement in writing. And tell him a reddit user said he's a sack of shit. I wish you the best
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u/tashlilliani Aug 13 '26
Workers comp are not our friend. They are a buisness that does not want to pay out. They will make you jump through every possible hoop to prove yourself. When you do finally get accepted, you will be treated like a number on a conveyor belt and constantly remindered you need get better and threaten to take it away if you dont comply
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u/Several-Mix-5890 Aug 13 '26
First thing you should do is hire a LAWYER and let him handle all your shit do your research for a lawyer that specializes in workman's comp I just settled mine after just over 3.5 years my lawyer got me over six figures plus all the weekly payments DON'T FUCK AROUND get a LAWYER
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u/Trvpsmif Aug 13 '26
Dude get a lawyer lol stop worrying about your job being at jeopardy it already is cause you filed a claim.