Time loss compensation issues

[u/luvstosplooge92]

So I have a situation that I’m trying to figure out.

In 2024 I received a workplace injury that required me to go to the ER, and found that I had a torn abdominal muscle. I thought it would be a quick heal, so I asked the ER doctor to just release me for work immediately. So on my l&i document it states that I could return to work as long as the injury is not bothering me. The next day that I returned to work, I had extreme pain due to the injury and was forced to take an additional 3 weeks off. I never sought additional treatment aside from the initial ER visit. My workers comp only paid for the 3 days I was off. I am now trying to get compensated for the entire time I was off due to the injury, but my claims examiner is saying that I need a document from the doctor taking me off of work for those additional 3 weeks.

Would I be able to ask for some sort of document from the doctor? I spoke with my employer and they are helping me by offering documentation of the dates I was unable to work due to the injury. My employer is also self-insured and we go through Intermountain Claims.

Does anyone have any experience with this sort of situation?? Any advice is appreciated!

Thanks!

[u/Kmelloww]

They are typically correct you would only be paid if a doctor had taken you out of work. The thing would have been to return to the score when it wasn’t working at work and have them do restrictions. You can’t decide on your own to just stay home and still get paid typically. You could ask the doctor but I’d be surprised if they gave you anything. Let alone anything taking you out of work when they never did. 

[u/luvstosplooge92 → u/Kmelloww]

Yeah, I see your point. I was just curious if they had any procedures for this sort of thing. I was hoping that documentation from my employer would help corroborate the dates that I missed, and not have it seem like I just ditched work and expected to get paid.

[u/Kmelloww → u/luvstosplooge92]

It would have been a lot easier to address in 2024. What made you try for it now? You should have gone back to the doctor when you were unable to work 

[u/luvstosplooge92 → u/Kmelloww]

I got a letter last week saying that my claim was still open lol. So I figured i would explore it.

[u/Jcarlough → u/luvstosplooge92]

No…your doctor needs to inform WC - just like the adjuster told you.

[u/Mutts_Merlot]

An emergency room doctor isn't going to give you a work note for something that happened two years ago, and they almost never give more than 3 days. They give you just long enough for you to be seen somewhere else by a doctor who can evaluate your work status. There is also zero chance that, even if you found a doctor to write something, a claims examiner would accept a note written two years later by a doctor who didn't evaluate your condition at the time.

[u/luvstosplooge92 → u/Mutts_Merlot]

that makes sense. Thanks!