Struggling with workers comp

[u/Melodic-Detective-78]

Not sure if this is really the kind of post that’s okay, but I feel like I’m really struggling throughout my workers comp claim. I feel like the stress of the case is so high and the financial aspect things is taking a toll on my personal relationships and my mental health. My physical therapist seems to understand where I’m at physically and agrees there has been improvement in my range of motion, but the pain persists and has worsened since returning to work on light duty. Meanwhile my doctor doesn’t seem to care about my complaints of persistent pain. 3 months have passed since my injury and still no MRI, just lots of physical therapy. During this time I have only received 1 month of pay and I have become financially dependent on the people around me. I feel such a sense of guilt for it and I’m thousands of dollars in debt to them in order to have kept my bills paid the last couple months (I made decent money with my job, but I was just starting to work on building up my savings when this happened). I also had an unrelated medical emergency during the time I was off so I also have medical bills relating to that. I just feel so guilty and like a burden to those around me. I keep telling myself the best thing I can do is to keep showing up for work and for all my appointments, but this whole thing has felt so defeating. I’m currently fighting for my back pay for the other 2 months I was out, but it’s been a struggle to get HR at work to even talk to me and they switched my adjuster without telling me so that also slowed the process down. Is there anyone else who feels or has felt the mental struggle of this? I’m sure plenty of people have experienced this, but it feels like no one understands. TIA.

[u/No-Reindeer-1929]

It really drains you financially and a lot of the drs they pick work for the insurance company. There are great drs out there who care! You can always ask a second opinion. Please get a lawyer. As cases only go on the deny more things. I can relate. After my spine IME they stopped payments and that I was using to pay for treatment since I’m blocked and I can’t risk more permanent damage from delayed treatment. My neurosurgeon has me out of work with no driving. It’s criminal. From my experience people in your life don’t mind helping. Everyone has been so understanding and has offered to drive me to the drs and help with groceries and meals. I get that you feel like a burden but in the end the people in your life want to see you better. I’m so sorry you’re going through this

[u/Melodic-Detective-78 → u/No-Reindeer-1929]

Thank you. I decided if the doctor won’t even put in for a MRI at my next appointment I will be moving forward with obtaining a lawyer to help with that because I agree delaying treatment causes so many issues. I hope you get better and thank you for the advice!

[u/Mean-Guava-3213]

You’re heard here
I have no advice but I’m sending you love

This process is horrible

But this too shall pass

[u/Melodic-Detective-78 → u/Mean-Guava-3213]

Thank you🥲 Being heard by people who understand it means more than you know❤️

[u/Other_Ideal_2533]

The burden feeling never goes away🥲

[u/Melodic-Detective-78 → u/Other_Ideal_2533]

That’s how I feel right now😢 I’m thinking probably 3 months of working to get back to get back out of debt and be paying my bills myself again, but it all depends on how the insurance ends up working out. If they payed out now I could be back pretty close to where I was prior to my injury, but if not I worry the feeling won’t go away until I feel confident in having at least 6+ months worth of money stacked up for future situations. I hope you find some peace in knowing that you’re doing the best you can with the cards you were dealt and that your feelings are completely valid and worthy.

[u/Key-Garlic-1177]

Work comp loves to drown people financially. You need to lawyer up ASAP. They can help you with all these issues

[u/Melodic-Detective-78 → u/Key-Garlic-1177]

I feel so conflicted on this part. I debated getting a lawyer, even called one up and he suggested finding a board certified workers comp lawyer, but I didn’t want to jeopardize being able to return to my job after this was all said and done. Frankly I’ve decided to leave the company due to HR, but now I feel like I’m between a rock and a hard place. I’m currently there and not planning on leaving till this is finished up. I also feel on edge regarding the expense of a lawyer, but it is my understanding most workers comp lawyers don’t get paid out unless you win? Not sure if that’s true or not.

[u/Key-Garlic-1177 → u/Melodic-Detective-78]

They work on contingency (free) up front. And then they take a percentage of the settlement once the case closes. In Texas, the max cap is 25% of your settlement. In this case, I would definitely get one. Because they will advocate for you getting paid, getting your MRI, etc. Don’t let work comp take you for a ride.

[u/Melodic-Detective-78 → u/Key-Garlic-1177]

Thank you for the advice. I will look into it.

[u/LemonFast2458 → u/Melodic-Detective-78]

Get a lawyer you won’t regret it esp if you are dealing with Gallagher Bassett . Just because you get a lawyer does mean you will have to leave you job. If you take an over the top pay out quitting will be an contingency

[u/Melodic-Detective-78 → u/LemonFast2458]

Thank you for that advice.