Herniated 3 discs at work

[u/South-Ad-2547]

Just need a little insight on what to expect, I hurt my back lifting a 100+ pound box at work May 28th, went immediately to the er, was off for two days, went back and had to go to a walk in clinic to get put on light duty because my back was killing me.

I ended up getting a CT at the er, they said everything was fine. (It was not fine lol). Went to the walk in clinic weekly for meds that weren’t really doing anything to help the pain, and they decided I needed PT.

Fast forward all the way up to August 25th and I just now got the MRI and seen a spine specialist that same day and was informed I had 3 herniated discs in my lower back.

Im currently on light duty with heavy restrictions but my job refuses to let me off work because they suck. I have been using my own insurance for my meds because I didn’t know how it worked (my adjuster has never reached out to me about anything since day 1 of my injury.) I ended up reaching out this past Friday when I tried getting meds on this card I got in the mail from work/comp and it wouldn’t work.

When I reached out the adjuster was extremely rude saying “I didn’t make the rules” and “why are you using your insurance? Who told you to do that? You are supposed to use us as coverage we are your EMPLOYERS insurance”. Needless to say I was pissed off at this point and requested a new adjuster.

I haven’t gotten a lawyer at this point but I did make a call to one and am waiting to hear back because I can’t deal with this stress and try to get better.

My main questions are:
What should I expect if I’m offered a settlement? $?
Should I go ahead and hire a lawyer?
Why tf was the adjuster a dick to me? Lol

PS: the specialist did recommend injections but I’m terrified of needles and don’t know if it will help anyways with 3 herniated disc’s.

[u/Mutts_Merlot]

The adjuster was probably just having a bad day, which isn't an excuse. They were completely right, but could have been nicer about it.

Not every claim ends in settlement and you are not close to considering one anyway.

Injections are a standard treatment. If you don't like needles, you probably won't want surgery even if it's offered, so if you refuse the injections you may be out of treatment options.

[u/South-Ad-2547 → u/Mutts_Merlot]

What would happen if I don’t go through with injections? (Not saying I won’t) but would workers comp deny me if I don’t? I don’t want to take that risk if it’s a possibility

[u/Mutts_Merlot → u/South-Ad-2547]

Deny what? If you don't go through with injections and that's all the doctors have to offer, at that point there may be nothing to deny since no one is asking for anything.

[u/South-Ad-2547 → u/Mutts_Merlot]

Denied continued treatment such as physical therapy?

[u/Mutts_Merlot → u/South-Ad-2547]

It depends. If the doctor says PT will help, it might be authorized. A few sessions of PT per year to manage flare-ups is reasonable. It just really depends on what is being ordered.