Workers Experiences

[charli]

Thanks for creating this place.

I'm an injured worker and have been in the system for 7+ years. We just won our Perm Total case yesterday!

[anonymous]

I too was in the system in Co. for about 5 yrs.I was 33 yrs. old when injured and forced to go to a rehab hosp. for three wks. to "exercise" which I couldn't do and to get off drugs-darvocet! They tear you down so badly you just want to get out of the place. Constantly reinforcing the idea that the pain is only in your head. I was referred by a physician from there to a lawyer. He told me we should take whatever they offer. I was young and dumb and had gone a long time without money to pay all the bills as my husband and I were both working at Hewlett Packard (at that time was supposed to be one of the best places to work).But HP fired me for being disabled. From workers comp I came out with money for 15% disability. I was mad and when HP's attorneys called me to try to get me to sign the termination papers I told him the entire story and he (the HP attorney)told me what to do to get my disability payments from the company. I am now 54 yrs. old. I cannot walk across the street. What seemed fair (75% of my wages) in 1984 doesn't even pay for my medical care and prescriptions now. Something needs to be done. I think there are probably a lot of people getting their pockets lined! In both the companies and the workers compensation. One of the biggest problems to conquer in the entire thing is the people who are faking it. I know two people (married)who both left California Highway Patrol on disability. He actually had surgeries he didn't need. She had a laminectomy on her lower back and faked her way thru it.They are now making lots of money,go boating, fishing, golfing, sightseeing, anything they want to do and don't let people know they are on disability but tell them they are retired. We need to stop people like that. I can't sign my name because of them but they live in Holiday Island, Ark. now.A wealthy retirement community! Wouldn't it be nice?

[mjc]

I live in Louisiana and experienced some of the same things you have. I was also terminated while out on medical leave from the work related injury I didn't even know I had at the time. I was so sick and so busy trying to get myself the medical care I needed my time limit expired for me to do anything about the wrongful termination. I have been in this condition since 1999 and have been ruled totally disabled by 2 neurosurgeons. I feel many people are lining their pockets at the injured workers expense. I think it starts with the insurance companies, moves to those who lobby for the insurance companies then to our state representatives then to the U.S. representatives. What a racket they have going! I know they could not survive on the income we have to survive on. I do agree with the statement you made regarding people abusing the system as I have seen some of the abuse. I guess the saying holds true, the good have to suffer for the bad! Those that truly need the assistance have to fight tooth and nail because of the corruption that takes place. I guess those of us that are in this situation just have to chew it, swallow it and then try to digest it. Thanks for sharing your situation and God Bless you!

[anonymus]

Im reading these words and I fully hear each and everyone of you.Imyself have been battling my job workers comp. its a mess. I was and still in the same situation i hear all of you.It is still a mess i have lost everything so far.My own attorney just dropped me.IM IN THE PROCESS OF LOOKING FOR A NEW ATTOrney. Ifeel so let down by the whole world.I EVEN GOT disability now thank god. but no medical no meds for help.i have depression anxiety all from my work onjuries 2 torn shoulder surgeries low back pain neck problems the courts excuse was degeneratin-ve discs.thiswas all caused from doing the work of what two people did in an 8 hour shift. lifting 1500 - 2000 lbs of grocerys on weds and doing too much overload work too repetitive work,never been injured on my jobs did this kind of work for more 30 yrs no problems,till they put all this work on me .it was supposed to have been trial and error,but they didnt see that my work load was bad.duh.2 shredded shoulders,low back pain neck pain,and anxiety depression even had to go to a mental hosp. cause of all the emotional abuse,from your job and getting write ups and made to make you feel incompetent ,its all my fault,now im a looser.i believe the job when you get injured get rid of you,at any cost,but this was so wrong this was my livlihood i didnt ask to get injured i told my supervisor it was too much she didnt listen.she only listened to the lazy people and bottom line i was stupid doing the work. my life is jacked up now and they are all still making an income.the judge didnt agree with my drs. the company dr. was on my side.the believed the paid off drs the job or workcomp sent me to.Ido believe there are paid off drs and attorneys out there in this world.since all this has happened to me. god bless all of you injured people .HOW WELL I KNOW HOW THE SYSTEM IS MESSED UP. my case is still active or going to be hopefully i will leave by saying anonymus.GOD BLESS US ALL.