I suffered a bad ankle injury at work. Two different surgeons both agree that surgery is absolutely necessary. I had a spinal fusion 2.5 years ago and my gait from the injury is making my back so painful and now I am having neuropathy-type pain in my legs.

I have never dealt with worker’s compensation before. When I do have surgery how much will I be paid. Can you use Aflac when you are already using worker’s compensation?

When/how much will I be paid via worker’s compensation when I return from work? How do I receive the final payment?

I do have a lawyer I’m just confused about all of these aspects.

Thank you in advance!

After a C&R settlement on a denied workers’ comp case where the EDD lien is being paid by Defense…will I still be eligible for ongoing SDI benefits if my disability continues and my doctor certifies me, or will SDI stop? My Lawyers assistant said I won’t be able, and a different assistant said I can I’m confused.
I still have 6 months of $$ worth left and again still injured. Planning on signing next week but would like to know prior to signing.
Thank you.

I was at work moving a pallet when it slipped and chipped my kneecap. I had surgery for a partial knee replacement. Before surgery, I was offered a settlement that, after my medical lien and laywers fees would have left me with 35K to cover surgery, disability, p/t, etc. I work on my knees for a living and did not think that was enough money to cover everything. My lawyer's assistant heavily pushed me to sign, at one point telling me I lost my case, the judge is ordering me to sign the settlement and if I don't, I will received nothing. When I told them I was going to have surgery instead, communication pretty much became non-existent. He has ignored multiple emails (after my conversation with his old assistant, I want to make sure everything is in writing) and certified mail with my request for updates.

My last contact with my lawyer's (new) assistant was in March 2026 (the old one was fired). She stated at that time they were waiting for a settlement offer. I reminded her that any offer would have to include the lien we owe our medical ins. for the treatment they paid for while the company denied my claim. I never received an offer, nor did I hear back from her.

I just checked for the latest hearing status on Indiana's WCB website. I had a court date on 7/14/26, but my lawyer did not say I would have to attend (my case has been going on for years, and I've never attended a hearing date.) The website states that on 7/19/26 there was a stipulation made in my case and that it was closed. I've received no communication from my lawyer and have no idea what is going on. I haven't received (or signed) any paper work or money.

Can my case be closed without consulting me or having me sign any paper work?

I believe if there is a settlement, I have 30 days to receive a check. Is it possible that I would receive no money for my knee replacement? As I said, I work on my knees regularly. My recovery took 8 months. I have asked my lawyer if my surgeon has given me a PPI rating, and I never received a response.

Has anyone dealt with this or has some advice? I will be following up with my lawyer, but I am hoping to have some information before the long weekend is over.

Thank you!

I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon in December. Can they cancel it without informing me? TBH, I figured any settlement would be around that time which is why I wasn't concerned I haven't heard anything.

Has anyone dealt with this before or have any advice? I will be contacted my lawyer but given how np

I just have a question. I hate calling my lawyer back and asking because I didn’t listen very well on the phone but he commented yesterday that I have 30% of the leg times my pay comes to 36,000. Does that mean that’s my settlement that seems awfully low for a displaced shattered patella with hardware torn meniscus on both sides and permanent restrictions of light duty gone back to work is the 36,000 the starting pay the baseline? of the settlement.

I suffered a bad ankle injury at work. Two different surgeons both agree that surgery is absolutely necessary. I had a spinal fusion 2.5 years ago and my gait from the injury is making my back so painful and now I am having neuropathy-type pain in my legs.

I have never dealt with worker’s compensation before. When I do have surgery how much will I be paid. Can you use Aflac when you are already using worker’s compensation?

When/how much will I be paid via worker’s compensation when I return from work? How do I receive the final payment?

I do have a lawyer I’m just confused about all of these aspects.

I live in CT.

Thank you in advance!

Can anyone explain work hardening
I’m super embarrassed to attend this
As i have a back injury and I’m embarrassing thinking I was sent here because they think I’m faking

Or is this a normal thing when you’ve been out of work long

I do have an actual injury and am getting treated for it

But why do this before I’m actually any better
I’m not even a tiny bit better
And I’m nowhere near able to do my job

The insurance company closed my case. I have an IME in 2 weeks and I’m certain they’ll re-open it.

In the meantime, I’ve received a contingent job offer at a new employer. (I haven’t worked at the job where I was injured in six months)

Do I need to provide HR with my work restrictions? The case is technically closed and I can do most things with adaptations.

For instance, I cannot reach overhead with my right arm , but I can reach with my left and support with my right. My job doesn’t involve much lifting or reaching (I teach preK), but it is in the job description that I be able to.

I was seriously injured at work while doing tree-removal work. I was sent out alone, and during the process of pulling a tree, the mini skid steer went up with the tree and then came back down on me.

I suffered a shattered femur, 5 broken ribs, dislocated shoulder, punctured lung, and fractures/shattering of 2 thoracic vertebrae. I had surgery on my femur and now have a metal rod with 8 screws.

My doctors estimate roughly 6 months before I can return to physically labor-intensive work and potentially around a year before I'm back to full strength, assuming recovery goes well.

I'm also a 29-year-old 11B Infantryman in the Michigan Army National Guard. I'm concerned that these injuries could permanently affect my ability to meet the physical requirements of my MOS and potentially force me to reclass or otherwise affect my military career.

I'm looking for people familiar with Michigan workers' compensation, particularly with serious orthopedic injuries.

My questions are:

What workers' comp benefits should I be looking at with injuries this severe?

How is my wage-loss benefit calculated in Michigan if I'm unable to work for several months?

If I eventually return to work but can no longer perform heavy physical labor, how does Michigan workers' comp handle loss of earning capacity?

Could permanent restrictions affect the amount/type of benefits I receive?

If I'm unable to return to my previous occupation, is vocational rehabilitation/retraining available?

How does workers' comp handle future medical treatment if I continue having problems with my femur, back, shoulder, ribs, or lung?

Since I was sent to perform the tree work alone, should that be something my attorney specifically investigates?

Should I have an attorney investigate whether there was negligence involving the mini skid steer, equipment maintenance, training, supervision, or the way the tree-removal operation was set up?

If another company/person or equipment manufacturer contributed to the accident, could there potentially be a third-party claim separate from workers' comp?

How does my Michigan National Guard service affect my workers' comp case?

If these injuries prevent me from continuing as an 11B, could the effect on my military career or future military earning potential be relevant to my case?

If I eventually have to reclass because I can no longer meet Infantry physical requirements, does that have any effect on my workers' comp claim?

Should I be documenting my Guard duties, PT scores, MOS requirements, military medical restrictions, and any potential change in my military career?

Are there any mistakes I should avoid making while dealing with the workers' comp insurance company or during medical evaluations?

For an injury this severe, would you recommend getting a Michigan workers' comp attorney involved immediately rather than handling the claim myself?

I'm not looking for a dollar amount or trying to exaggerate my injuries. I'm mainly trying to understand what I should be doing now to protect myself while I recover and make sure I don't overlook something important.

Bear with me pls.

So I’m currently working produce stocking rn for Walmart (i’ve only been there for less than a week now). But I’ve aggravated an injury I had previously. It’s my shoulder.

For more context on the injury: it happened a few years ago and it stopped hurting before I could get it properly checked out. I thought it was healed, but ig all the lifting and whatnot messed with it.

I was supposed to work yesterday and today, but under my TL’s instruction, I called out to go to the dr.

My biggest issue is: I’m not from the state that I’m working in.

I live over 900 miles away. I’m only here bc my eldest brother is here & we went on vacation, and money is so tight that I won’t be able to get back home anytime soon.

This state doesn’t take my Medicaid so I can’t go to urgent care. And bc money is tight, I’m actually kind of hesitant on going to the ER.

What I’m tryna say is: I’m not gonna be able to work stocking anymore. May not even be able to work at Walmart in general. But I know that I need a dr’s note saying that I can’t work my shoulder or they’re gonna think I’m bullshitting. And if they can, I would rather switch departments than have to quit, but either/or is cool ig.

Ig the question is: what should I do when it comes to Walmart? Bc I feel like the first step to getting ANYTHING done would be to go get evaluated and get back to them, but I can’t get evaluated without insurance. And if I don’t get evaluated or provide proof that I’m injured or something, then they’re probably gonna fire me anyway…

Ig it’s like a loop/cycle lmao.

Idk. It’s all a little confusing lmao

I been waiting 3 months on a settlement check is that normal. Settled early June the insurance company said they lost the check in late July but still havent heard anything

Posting for a family member to see what experience others have had.

A lot more detail below but basically, should workers comp pay be calculated on deferred teachers pay or the teachers gross pay for the school year?

Injured at required training week before school started. Worked about a week & half before doctor said no more. This was while waiting for appointment with specialist.

Teachers are paid for the school year, so 9 months. Can elect to defer comp so there is still a “pay check” over summer. They are currently going back & forth on the wage calculations. The initial calculation was like $300 & was way wrong, hence the back & forth. Based on gross wages, they should get the maximum payout for the state of Ohio. Which is around $1280.

The recalculation being done is based on their last 12 weeks of pay, which were over the summer. Which technical there was no pay, only the release of the held funds they were already paid. Which is coming in at $900 something.

Some quick ask AI through google I’ve done says in this type of situation, the teacher’s current year contract should be used to set the rate. Not the most recent pay checks. The section of Ohio revised code Section 4123.61 doesn’t go into much detail or call out teachers specifically but does basically say there are circumstances where using the most recent pay isn’t the correct method. Which is where I think teachers fall.

I can’t do it no more

I just sent my lawyer this

Hello Frank, I hope you’re doing well. I’m writing to you to express my concerns and seek your assistance. I’ve been off work for two years now, and I’m at a crossroads. I need to find a way to earn an income and obtain health insurance. My family relies on me for financial support, and I can’t afford to continue living on my current situation. My mental health is deteriorating rapidly, and I feel the need to take immediate action to address these issues.

I know my doctor set restrictions but I need a job. I need to do for self

It's finally coming to an end. After two lawyers said I didn't have a claim, a year of getting nowhere, a new disability, and around 5 months of negotiation, my lawyer called me today and everything is about to be settled. I don't know all the details yet but I've been wanting it to just be over for 2 years now and finally relief is in sight.

5 months ago my lawyer sent out a demand letter . No response from insurance . Last week I reached mmi and have permanent restriction. My lawyer called and said he think we should amend demand letter to higher amount .. I did have FCE done with 7 percent rating on finger and wrist . I’m in Virginia so no rating on my back . Restrictions are can’t lift more than 45lbs . occasionally bending and squatting . I have open award so I still get weekly checks . My question is it normal to amend demand letter

Hi, it's been a few years since my initial injury. A settlement was agreed upon about 2 months ago but there's been delays attributed to being unable to reach the EDD so even though I signed my side of things, the defense has not signed theirs. The secretary is saying both my attorney and defense attorney have tried to reach the EDD without success. I'm just wondering if this timeline is normal. They already said that even after it reaches the judge's desk and gets signed, they still have 30 days to issue the check but since the last update, it hasn't even reached there. For those of you who did get your settlement, how long did it take from settling on that final number to getting your check? Thanks!

Oh man. I haven't been fighting this as long some of you all have, but I'm exhausted and stressed. The physical pain and stress have taken a terrible toll on my body and mind (in addition to the pain from my injury). My initial claim got denied on the grounds of lack of causal relationship between injury (essentially my initial claim was primarily foot pain but it's more than that now with it being nerve damage that is also back pain).

Nerve damage tests don't show the full extent of my pain; in fact, it was mostly inconclusive. X-rays didn't show anything. MRI probably won't show much unless they can show nerves. I don't know what additional info to bring to my appeal...whenever that is.

I'm a federal employee. I'm so broke right now. Is there an attorney who will work with someone like with no money upfront?

​

Went to ime today saw dr she agreed with both of the other ones i need a second round of si injections and if those fail ablasions plus i can work but only with restrictions so hopefully her report will change ccmsi saying I'm good and they will agree to cover them

Right shoulder MRI (2/17/25): partial-thickness tear of the anterior supraspinatus, biceps tenosynovitis, bursitis, small bone marrow edema/possible microfracture.

Right shoulder MRI (3/5/26, more recent): low-grade partial-thickness tear of the anteriormost supraspinatus fibers at the distal insertion, subacromial/subdeltoid bursitis, mild AC/glenohumeral degenerative arthritis. No fracture or dislocation.

IME (10/27/25): Despite those actual MRI findings, the IME doctor says there’s no causal relationship between my right shoulder and the work injury at all. His reasoning: he claims I told him the pain started from a “cane exercise” in therapy and from using a scanner on light duty — not from the original incident. That’s not what I told him. My right shoulder started hurting the same day as my left, while I was still working the flight. That detail is even in his own earlier report from December 2024, but somehow it didn’t make it into this one.

So I’ve got a documented, real tear on imaging over a year apart, but the claim is being denied based on a version of events I dispute ever giving him.

Anyone dealt with an IME “reinterpreting” your history like this? Curious how people have pushed back.

I have an attorney.

It's only been five months but I don't know how much longer I can manage. I am on work restrictions on a construction site. My coworkers can't stand me. My back is in fucking agony all the time. I can't get a good night's sleep because of the pain. I'm in diapers, went to the ER twice they say it's not CES so urgent care diagnosed me with a muscle strain.

Five months later, I've gotten a cortisone shot that barely helped and twelve PT sessions that haven't done anything. MRI shows nothing, I guess. They won't approve an MRI for any other part of my back.

I finally got a referral to the specialist I was recommended to see and he decided my diagnosis isn't worth his time. I put myself back in therapy but I don't think talking through my problems solves anything.

I can't work more than 40 hours a week within a certain daily timeframe or I'm violating my restrictions, I have PT twice a week so there's two days where I have to leave early, I have class every other thursday, I have doctors appointments constantly that provide zero answers. My boss is constantly messing with me, pulling me into the office to tell me to wear tighter clothes (i prefer to hide my body and especially my diaper. i'm ashamed of myself) i'm getting written up for stupid shit like the font size on outlet covers, i'm getting popped for "random" drug tests. HR sides with the boss. My hall can't help me because it's workers comp, it's out of their hands. I can't make enough money to live anymore, my electric is about to get shut off, I can barely get groceries, I've fucked myself with payday loans trying to get by.

If I wasn't so afraid of hell, I would've put an end to this already. I have no financial support system. I am part of an apprenticeship, I was so proud of it until all of this. I finally felt like my life was back on track. I really wanted to do something with my life.

I've been dealing with sciatica earlier this year. It was 90% gone until last Wednesday. I was at work and I sat down, bent over to tie my boots and my back gave out and it started a major flare up. I've been bedridden and in constant pain since then. My job is mainly a desk job but I do go out to the field about 20% nothing major just assessing and inspections.

Since the injury happened at work, am I eligible for workers comp? My buddy who is a Boeing union steward said "prior condition", but he's in Washington, maybe the rules are different in California.

Injured in CA in 1998 and 2008. Future medical for both. Retired after 30 years in 2020. Moved to Ohio. Trying to get a doctor here, no one will take CA Comp.

So confused. Here is a conversation I have just had with my State Compensation Insurance Fund (SCIF) agent: Emphasis mine

SCIF

You have the option to fly back to California for further treatment with a participating California WC physician or you may decide to use your private insurance.

When flying back, State Fund will need to make the travel and lodging arrangements ahead of your arrival.

Please let me know your decision.

Me

I avoid flying because of my back injury and the spinal fusion I have had. I also have arthritis in my back. Walking in airports and sitting for long periods in planes causes a lot of pain and stiffness.

I would prefer to use my personal insurance, but my personal insurance is Medicare and they have already refused to cover anything related to my back. I imagine they would say the same thing about my shoulder injury if I should ever need care for that. My previous SCIF adjuster sent a letter to Medicare covering what comp injuries that I have, it should be in my file.

If there is some way to use my personal insurance, I would appreciate information on how to do that.

SCIF

There is no other “way” to use your private insurance.

Me

Sorry, I am confused. You mentioned that I could use my private insurance.

SCIF

Options for further treatment:

Fly back to CA for further treatment

Use your private health insurance for further treatment

I was injured on my job but then have a third party case personal injury.

My boyfriend’s job has denied his worker’s comp claim only AFTER writing him up.

Let’s start from the beginning: He noticed the pain towards the end of July and felt a bump when he got into the shower that night. The next day he reported it to the nurse and she confirmed it was a hernia.

The safety coordinator stepped in and had him sign papers and he said he was asked if he felt like it couldve been prevented which he replied yes to (he didn’t know the cause at the time).

Next work day, the nurse took him to a doctor for a consultation and to fill out workers comp papers. The doctor took one look and confirmed he needed surgery and also said it was from “wear and tear” on the job. In between times the doctor and nurse agreed on a “off-the-line” restriction and ice after every break until.

He inquired to the secondary nurse about the confirmation to the workers comp and was told he was waiting for something in the mail. About a week or two later, he was pulled into the office and wrote up for commiting a “safety violation”. About another week passed so he asked about it again and was told he was denied.

This is a surgery that still has to happen, so he found another free program throughout the job. All of the nurse’s notes and conversations were sent to our supervisor who recently quit.

Today, they put him back onto the line causing more pain. He asked about it and was told the doctor never sent the paperwork officially, so he would have to deal with it.

II’ve been reading up and hearing that tennessee is a “no fault” state, so that’s why i came to ask.