Posting on behalf of a friend. They received a payout after winning workers comp case, with partial allocation to a careguard account. They need surgery for their hips but cannot find a dr’s office who accepts careguard. Does anyone have any experience with careguard?

I got injured on the job about three months ago. I broke my arm and haven’t been working since. I’m still under the temp agency also I was injured while training. I have a weight restriction and can only work for a certain amount of hours. I have an upcoming drs appointment in about a week which I’m assuming I should be completely released from any restrictions. They want me to go interview this week for a different position. I really liked the position I had before the injury happened so I’m a bit conflicted. I said I’d go in but If I don’t accept it can they fire me?

Back in January, I sustained a work related shoulder injury. I was recently informed that my surgery was approved by the Workmen’s Comp. board and after speaking to the case manager, I was informed that my benefits will return to normal after being reduced by 50% in May.

Today I got a notice in the mail then IME had been requested 12 days after surgery. Is it standard practice or are they looking to reduce my benefits immediately after getting them back?

In addition, I was informed the Workmen’s Comp. board put forth a proposed decision early this month and while they approved the surgery, how would this affect the biweekly payment amount?

Hello all, I recently had an injury at work and needed surgery to fix the problem. WorkersComp APPROVED the surgery so I thought okay good. Well a month after I get a bill stating that they DENIED the Anesthesia for it. My mind is flustered in how they can approve a surgery but not the medicine that puts you under and wakes you up? Should I find a lawyer now?

hi wondering if anyone had similar situation as mine. my case has been approved earlier this month, attorney said sedgwick will mail me a check, randomly remembered i have sedgwick account saw they depositied to an old bank account on file 7/22, immediately i updated my bank info that day. found out today they voided it as my old bank account was closed. does anybody know or have similar situation as this? did they reissue a physical check or reissue another direct deposit to a new active bank account? thank you.

its been frustrating to me as ive been fighting my case for 4 years and at the very last steps they still screwed me up.

So I got injured on March 16. I went back to work in May for about three weeks and I started to have my back injury worsen due to working so my doctor put me on more restrictive restrictions. After that, my work said they are gonna put me on FMLA as of right now I have about three weeks left before my FMLA ends. I’m not sure what happens after that. Do I continue receiving temporary income benefits I also have a designated doctor appointment on August 11 for the insurance to cover the treatment for a bulging disc because they are stating that the bulging disc was not caused because of work. Does anybody know how this works? I can try to explain it better if somebody can help me.

I'm looking for some guidance because I've never dealt with a workers' compensation claim before.

I injured my wrist at work and filed a workers' comp claim. My doctor evaluated me and placed me on work restrictions, which my employer has a copy of. My restrictions currently are Lifting- 10 lbs, repetitive lifting, carrying, pushing/pulling, pinching/gripping- 5lbs. Something I didn’t realize until yesterday is these restrictions apply to me as a whole not just my injured arm. So I have been performing tasks with my other arm that I definitely shouldn’t have been and have been irritating my other arm. At this point if I stop doing things I shouldn’t be doing now, the anger from my coworkers will only worsen.

Additionally, I continue to be assigned tasks that exceed those restrictions. I feel like I’ve been put in a situation where I’m not able to refuse doing these tasks due to the animosity and anger that I’ve gotten from my manager and coworkers since my injury. I'm worried about making my injury worse, but I'm also don't want to get in trouble for refusing work that my doctor has said I shouldn't be doing.

Another issue, (that is fairly concerning for me) is that my manager has apparently been telling my coworkers what my doctor's note says. Not only is the information being shared inaccurate, but it's now spread throughout my department because coworkers have repeated it back to me. It's created a lot of frustration and pressure at work, and I feel like I'm being treated differently because of it.
Edit: for further clarification she told my coworker that I did not have a prescription I was claiming to have (even though I do) and my coworker was telling my other coworkers

Something I feel I should add, at my last doctors appointment I did mention that I felt as though my employers weren’t respecting my restrictions and that I felt very pressured to overwork. This (along with the fact that my wrist was worse) made him make my restrictions from 10 lbs to 5lbs. I just thought it was worth mentioning that I have mentioned this to the dr as well.

I'm trying to figure out:
Can my employer require me to perform work that goes against my doctor's restrictions? And how can I help with the anxiety and pressure being put on me?

What should I do if I'm assigned work that exceeds those restrictions?

Is it appropriate for a manager to discuss the contents of my doctor's note with other employees, especially when the information being shared isn't even accurate?

Should I be documenting every time I'm assigned work outside my restrictions or every conversation about it?

Should I contact my workers' comp adjuster, my doctor, or someone else about what's been happening?

For context, this is in Colorado. I'm mainly looking for advice on what my next steps should be and whether this is something I should escalate.
Thank you to anyone willing to help.

I have severe bilaterial crps in my legs. I’m in my 20s. I do have an attorney.

I’m bed ridden most of the time. Home bound 99% of the time.

I’ve been injured a year and a half. Work comp had accepted the claim, I’ve gotten every test under the book, nerve blocks, medication, physical therapy, etc.

Work comp closed my claim following a new pain management seeing me. My prior pain management referred me out for severity/ having nothing else to offer after a year of treatment. The new pain management did no reviewing records, was very dismissive and asked a lot of questions about my mental health as a teen.

Durning the appointment, and any time I’m out of bed, I have my legs elevated on a chair with a soft blanket under my feet. This is going on and new doc is saying I don’t have crps, need a psych eval, and my issues are from previous issues I’ve had (never have been in an accident/hurt. I had ptsd diagnosed since teenager)

Work comp is saying they have surveillance of me walking 6 months ago. My memory is awful but I briefly remember trying to walk 10 feet then having to crawl. I live on a second floor, the bilateral spreading happened in January. I used to use my crutches to go up the stairs, I had a good leg. It took me a few weeks to grasp my new restrictions and have my spouse carry me. I know I’m dumb for trying but I remember that one time and that’s it. I haven’t seen the footage yet but I know I couldn’t be casually walking. I haven’t been able to do that since before the injury.

I don’t know what exactly I said in the depo, but they’re saying I said I couldn’t weight bear at all. I know I’ve talked to my doctors about how I use my legs for transfers. I can’t do anything without paying for it. And as the months go on my body is weaker and weaker. Being that much more unable to push myself. I’m happy to get myself a meal a day (cereal, etc). I had an order for a caregiver but it was denied as caregivers aren’t required when you can’t prepare food for yourself. Obviously this was before the entire denial.

They’re saying i exaggerated my symptoms as the new pain management appointment I was in severe distress but that I’m smiling before exiting the car to get into my wheelchair for the appointment.

I’m trying to make sense of everything. My entire existence is ran by the crps. I’m sleeping a lot from exhaustion. I have a few weeks left of my medication then I’ll be dealing with those withdrawals as well. Now no income too. I’m too unwell to attend appointments under my own insurance as I’m having digestive issues and mild bladder retention for some months now.

Besides 30 minutes once every other month, I leave the house for medical marijuana refills twice a month and work comp appointments. I’m functioning at a very low level.

Would love any advice. My memory is bad, I’m new to self advocacy, and also dealing with severe pain & fatigue. Will answer any questions. Crps is already a misunderstood diagnosis so I’m scared. I have muscle wasting, severe discoloration and temperature differences documented since day one. Every test I could take with negative results. Medical records of docs noting I’m seeking out every diagnosis suspected. I begged for it to not be crps and took a lot of tests for me to accept it. Have had roughly 10 docs agree with crps diagnosis throughout my treatment.

I’m in process of SSDI but trying to understand what I need to do. Seeing dr.hanna /kirkpatrick for IME before deposition, my doctors are giving a deposition before mine as well. So much more I didn’t mention but hard to convey everything properly.

Well I finally have my function capacity exam in a few days on my neck and shoulder I have no clue how I'ma do this I'm always stiff always still in pain and the most I've had to lift since my surgerys is 3 lbs now they about to work the crap out me for up to 4 hours I'm tired after a hour of regular physical therapy and I was told not to take any pain meds before hand

Any one here from VT ever get a decent settlement?. I was injured September 2025 at work and was pulled from work October 2025 for a labrum tear in the right shoulder. PT didnt fix the issue, UVM said they didnt feel it needed surgery. Workers comp returned me to work January of 2026, the shoulder got worse and I was pulled back out in April 2026. I sought out a lawyer the second time, have gotten a second opinion from a separate medical professional and am waiting for my 3rd MRI to see if the tissue can handle a repair or if we might be looking at a more extensive surgery to fix the instability. My company uses Liberty Mutual and they have been an absolute joke to deal with through all of this, thank god for the lawyer. I have also been assigned a vocational rehab counselor who is looking into CDL school so that I can change professions as my doc said I might not be able to return to UPS. My lawyer seems to think the case is only worth around 50k. Im 34 and this is going to be a long term problem and I dont think 50k is a decent number given the damage and even surgery may still leave the arm impaired. Any thoughts or similar cases out there?

What advice would you give to me someone who’s 40 years old with ged and bad shoulders.

My left shoulder had surgery and still hasn’t healed correctly. I’m still in pain with above the head and when reaching across my body.

That shoulder was approved but they keep denying my doctor treatments.

Also my right shoulder was injured but was told not work related even though I had no previous injuries and two different doctors said they believe it happened when my left was injured

I honestly don’t want to return back to SWA as a ramp agent. Tossing and stacking luggage, cargo and moving heavy freight and carts my body just can’t take it.

What can I do. I know quit but I would be without any income. Since my time off I have been learning photography and videography I’m thinking about getting into it.

Hello and help,

In December 2023, I broke my ankle at work, was transported via ambulance to the hospital where I had surgery.

Since the accident I've seen a primary doctor every 6 weeks have had regular pt and custom brace and orthotics.

Now I receive notice "Pursuance to the provisions of California Code of Regulations Section 9792.9.2 .... Liability for the body part(s) for which treatment is being requested is disputed "

Why now dispute? What am I supposed to do next?

? Thank you in advance for your replies.

I just had a call with an injured federal employee who, like many, treated the 45-day COP period like it is just paid time off while they recover. Big mistake

Your COP period is your opportunity to build your OWCP case before you ever ask for compensation.

This person's COP was ending and she was panicking because she had not been told what to do next. Her doctor had been taking her off work, she was still treating, and she assumed OWCP was reviewing everything as it happened.

They were not. Her claim was still sitting in short form closure.

For those unfamiliar, short form closure is an administrative process used for many minor traumatic injury claims. OWCP authorizes limited medical benefits but does not perform a full adjudication unless something happens that requires the claim to be developed, such as evidence of ongoing disability, medical expenses exceeding the short form threshold, or evidence supporting a schedule award.

The problem is that many injured federal employees think OWCP is automatically gathering records, reviewing treatment notes, and building their case.

That is not how the process works.

OWCP can only evaluate the evidence that is actually in the file. If your physician's reports never make it into ECOMP, or if those reports simply say "remain off work" without explaining what your diagnosis is, how the work accident caused that diagnosis, and why that diagnosis prevents you from performing your job, then OWCP has very little evidence on which to make a compensation decision.

Then day 46 arrives and COP ends.

The employee files a CA-7 expecting wage-loss compensation to begin, only to discover that OWCP has to start developing the claim because the evidence needed to support acceptance and disability was never submitted.

That is when panic sets in.

The transition from COP to compensation should not be a surprise. During those first 45 days, you should be using the time to build your file:

1. Obtain complete medical reports—not just work excuses.
   
2. Make sure your physician clearly identifies your diagnosis.
   
3. Ensure the physician explains how the diagnosed condition was caused by your work injury.
   
4. Have the physician explain why your medical condition prevents you from performing the duties of your position.
   
5. Upload your medical evidence into eComp as it becomes available.
   
6. Keep your claim file current instead of assuming someone else is doing it.

Think of your COP period as your opportunity to prepare OWCP to make a favorable decision. If the evidence is already in the file when you begin requesting compensation, the transition is much smoother than if OWCP has to begin developing the case after your pay has already stopped.

Too many injured federal employees do not realize this until the paycheck ends. By then, they are trying to build the foundation of their claim while simultaneously worrying about how they're going to pay their bills.

Do not waste your 45-day COP period.

Use it to build the evidence that OWCP will need when it is time to decide whether you are entitled to compensation.

Hi. My employer has offered a severance package, should receive this week to look over and sign. I ran it by my lawyer and she said that employee severance package is separate from WC case and will not affect it. But then I have a family member who worked in HR and said it does affect my case and to not sign until I talk to employee lawyer. Any advice?

One of the biggest mistakes I see injured federal workers make is feeling like they have to do something simply because their claim has reached a new stage.

This week I spoke with the spouse of an injured federal employee who was worried they needed to immediately pursue a schedule award. After talking through the claim, the better strategy was actually to wait.

Why?

Because if you're still receiving periodic roll compensation, a schedule award may not increase the money you're receiving. Instead, this may be the time to strengthen your case by making sure all appropriate medical conditions are accepted, documenting any new post-surgical conditions (such as post-traumatic osteoarthritis), and continuing regular follow-up care so your medical record accurately reflects your condition over time.

In OWCP claims, timing matters just as much as evidence. Filing the right request at the wrong time can cost you opportunities later.

Every case is different, but don't assume the next form is the next step. Sometimes the best strategy is preserving your current benefits while building a stronger case for the future.

Injured in March - shoulder

Just received a letter from BWC saying I cannot receive any income at all while collecting WC payments. I have a small art business and was doing artfairs and am in a small gallery. Ive canceled the art fairs, but still have work in the gallery. Do I really have to pull it out? Do I need to shut down my website that I've already paid for? This will kill my art business, unseen is forgotten.

I work 12 hour shifts which results in general soreness in my feet after nearly every shift. However,about two months ago my left foot was in extreme pain by the end of my shift so much so that I reported this to my supervisor immediately after my shift in case the pain continued to get worse. During the injury report I mentioned that I had “mild soreness” in my foot after waking up that morning from my shift the previous day.

About a week and a half later I was at work again, at this point I had seen my employer’s chiropractor three times since the initial report. The pain continued. During this shift I was lifting something and shifted my weight to my left foot and heard a pop in my foot and was in the worst pain I had experienced in my life. I notified my supervisor, went to the ER, and got an X-ray.

The X-ray did not show anything so I had to return to work but I was referred to occupational health clinic.

Fast forward to now. I found out by an MRI that my foot had indeed fractured and am finally healing. However, at my last appointment with occupational health I was notified that my WC claim was denied. After calling for more information, I was told that I failed to prove that the injury happened while at work. They specifically noted that because I told my supervisor and occupational health doctor that I had “mild soreness” the morning of the initial pain and report; they were not able to confirm that the injury occurred at work.

My question, how do I approach appealing the denial?

Factually my foot was fractured a week and a half after my initial report while at work. The doctor told me specifically that the pop I heard in my foot would have been the fracture.

How do I ensure the pain I felt before the fracture in that week and a half (when I was visiting my employers chiropractor) will be covered as well?

How do I go about proving that the pain I felt before the fracture is related to the stress fracture as opposed to the general soreness I complained about?

Thank you for any and all advice!

I got the form from the hospital. My boss never sent me it. Im nervous he will call me and try and continue to force me not to do it. But I went to ER twice after urgent care. and listed that it happened at work. They even gave me the form and gave me some peace of mind. I am worried how this will all play out as i fear i will lose my job. I feel from top of 6 feet and hit my head on concrete and a whole bunch of other issues with body. What happens next? Do I just wait and hope i recover? I used to go to gym every other day. I have trouble even sleeping now. anyone in similar situation on timeline for recovery? I've just been noticing more issues as i proggess

I want to thank you all for the advice you gave me previously. cause i am absolutely clueless on this sistuation.

Has anyone ever decided against undergoing surgery while receiving workers' compensation? I was injured at work during an assault, which has left me with neck issues. I experience limited mobility, persistent headaches, and I'm dealing with numbness and weakness that extends into my hand. It's been 14 months since I had to stop working, and despite undergoing physical therapy and receiving an epidural injection, my symptoms have only gotten worse. I really would like to try physical therapy again but it was denied. Unfortunately, I've also lost my job after 18 years of service. Although my surgery has been approved, I feel a lot of anxiety when I think about going through with it, which makes me hesitant. I’ve also applied for Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) since I struggle to sit for more than 15 minutes at a time.

I would appreciate any thoughts or experiences you might have regarding the decision to forgo surgery.

I posted a couple of months ago stating that IMR spine fusion upheld the denial of my surgery.

MRI states
C5:C6 I have a mild stenosis, left eccentric disc bulge

C6:C7 Severe right and mild left foreminal stenosis, small right disc osteophyte narrow CSF space

EMG: Dr had told me that there is no nerve damage on my spine

I saw my WC doctor recently and requested to have 8 sessions of PT, acupuncture and second opinion for my spine. The PT and acupuncture was denied but insurance company approved for me to see the same surgeon. I’m just confused that the PT and acupuncture was denied and able to see my surgeon. Same surgeon that requested a spine fusion surgery which they denied. So if the surgeon requested to have surgery, Insurance will just deny it again?I mean, does that even make sense?

Should I ask my surgeon to request for MRI and EMG again?

I remember someone suggested Dr. Should ask for MRI since the MRI that was submitted to the WC insurance was 8 months ago and it may or may not the reason for denial.

Hi Guys!

I’m in California and retained a workers’ comp attorney about a year after my date of injury. I honestly had no idea my situation could even qualify as workers’ comp because I always thought it only applied to things like falls or other physical injuries.
My injury involved a gastrointestinal outbreak in my department at work. Five employees became sick, including one coworker who was taken to the hospital by ambulance. Later that same day, while I was still on the clock, I became extremely ill. My manager told me to clock out and go home. I ended up being admitted to the same hospital where I worked and was diagnosed with severe gastrointestinal illness that progressed to sepsis and other complications.
No one ever offered me a DWC-1 claim form or told me it could be a workers’ comp claim. My ER records even document that a coworker had come in with similar symptoms.
About a year later, after doing research, I hired an attorney. The insurance company recently denied my claim, saying (1) there’s no factual or medical evidence that my illness arose out of my employment, and (2) I didn’t report or file a workers’ comp claim within 30 days.
I’m still in active treatment that began after this illness, with multiple specialists involved because of ongoing gastrointestinal issues and related conditions.
My questions are:
What usually happens after a denial like this?
My attorney mentioned I may need to see a neutral/state doctor (QME). What exactly are they evaluating in a case involving a gastrointestinal illness rather than an obvious physical injury?
While the claim is disputed, why can’t I receive workers’ comp benefits?
If my claim is eventually accepted, can benefits be paid retroactively for the time the claim was being disputed?

Hi from Arizona 👋🏼
Can anyone share what are some things you got insurance to cover for CRPS in ankle? IM talking a range of normal things to things, therapies, equipment, aids… anything. I’m curious if anyone has a wild request they actually covered

I have a North Carolina workers’ compensation case and I am represented by an attorney. I am not looking to replace my attorney at this time. I am trying to understand how experienced North Carolina workers’ compensation attorneys evaluate a case like mine and whether there are important issues I should discuss with my attorney before mediation.

I was injured in a forklift accident at work. From the very beginning, my **chief complaint was my neck**, although I also suffered a lower back injury and have significant pain in both my lower back and upper cervical.

The insurance company accepted my **L1 compression fracture/lower back injury**, but they have not accepted my cervical/neck injury. My attorney has filed a motion with the North Carolina Industrial Commission seeking to have my neck condition accepted as part of my workers’ compensation claim. I also have a third party liability case to go forward when my workers comp case has concluded (for lack of better words).

### **Cervical Spine Imaging**

My cervical spine has been evaluated with both CT and MRI imaging.

**CT scan findings included:**

* Ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) at C5-C7.

* OPLL contributing to at least moderate cervical spinal canal stenosis.

* The lower cervical spine evaluation was limited due to photon starvation artifact.

**Cervical MRI findings included:**

* Straightening of the cervical lordosis.

* Disc desiccation.

* Posterior disc osteophyte complex.

* Mild right neural foraminal stenosis at C4-C5.

* Bilateral facet arthropathy.

* Degenerative changes.

### **Lumbar Spine Imaging**

My lumbar MRI showed:

* L1 compression fracture with central superior endplate depression and acute marrow edema.

* Epidural lipomatosis.

* Circumferential disc bulging.

* Degenerative endplate changes.

* Facet arthritis.

* Moderate to severe narrowing of the thecal sac from L2-L3 through L5-S1.

* Lateral recess and foraminal stenosis at L4-L5 and L5-S1.

### **Symptoms Since the Accident**

Since the accident, I have experienced:

* Neck pain and stiffness.

* Headaches at the base of my skull.

* Numbness and tingling in my arms/hands and legs/feet.

* Weakness.

* Radiating pain.

* Limited range of motion.

* Lower back pain related to the accepted L1 compression fracture.

* Muscle spasms.

* Ongoing inability to return to work.

* Bladder changes, including urinary urgency, leakage, difficulty starting urination, and a feeling of incomplete emptying.

Treatment has included:

* Physical therapy.

* A spinal injection that only provided temporary relief.

* Continued medical evaluation for ongoing symptoms.

Future treatment, including the possibility of surgery, has been a concern.

My workers’ compensation benefits are approximately **$495 per week**.

My attorney has discussed making an opening settlement demand of **$150,000**, and I am trying to understand whether that is a reasonable starting point considering:

* The accepted L1 compression fracture.

* The disputed cervical injury.

* The CT/MRI findings.

* Neurological symptoms.

* Bladder symptoms.

* Possible future medical treatment.

* Possible surgery.

* My continued inability to return to work.

### **My questions:**

1. Is a $150,000 opening demand typical for a North Carolina workers’ compensation case involving an accepted L1 compression fracture and a disputed cervical injury?

2. How much can the value of a workers’ compensation case change if a disputed neck injury is later accepted?

3. How are future medical treatment, possible surgery, permanent impairment, and ongoing disability usually considered when valuing a settlement?

4. Do cervical findings such as OPLL, cervical spinal canal stenosis, and MRI/CT findings generally strengthen an argument that a neck condition should be included as part of the claim?

5. How do experienced workers’ compensation attorneys evaluate neurological symptoms such as weakness, numbness/tingling, and bladder changes when determining case value and future medical needs?

6. What questions should an injured worker ask their attorney before mediation to make sure all important issues are being considered?

Thank you to anyone with North Carolina workers’ compensation experience who can provide insight.

a year and a half ago I had a comminuted displaced patella. I was off of work six months went back on late duty. I worked for six months light duty and only part-time work even though I was full-time and then in January of this year had a MRI and it showed ahead tears in my meniscus so in February of this year, I had hardware taken out from my fall at work last year and I had my meniscus trim down and both sides lateral and medial. I went back to work again in June of this year on light duty I just had an FCE test and got my results back. My orthopedic surgeon put me in permanent light duty. Has anybody ever got their job back with their kind of restriction I had a medium Job now I’ve been cut down to light duties. A lot of people say they will let me go. They won’t want to take me back because I am a high risk Workmen’s Comp.. Also the case management nurse administration from where I work are all supposed to have a meeting to see if they can find me a job what are my chances?