Pinched Nerve

[MONEY$LAVE 209]

My workers compensation claim was made in the State of: wisconsin

my dad works for ashley furniture in wisconsin. i recently talked with my dad and he told me that he had felt pain in his arm and had a hard time working, driving, and even sleeping. he went to a doctor and the doc ran an mri and told him he had a pinched nerve in his neck. he told him he needed an operation and they scheduled a date for the operation. well i guess the company put him on light duty but they also told him that he was required to let the company get a second opinion. they told him to cancel his appointment. but they stressed that he cancel himself and at home unless he wanted to pay for the operation himself. so he did. he went to see the doctor the company recommended and the doc just asked questions and ran no tests. my dad felt like the doc was trying to get him to say that he was faking or something like that. anyway he was told that if he wanted a copy of the test results he had to wait a couple weeks(what test? he didnt run any!) after a couple months of taking pain killers that upset his stomach and working light duty, he keeps getting the runaround when he asks about the operation he needs. i dont know anything about pinched nerves but im guessing time wont heal them...so the question is what can my dad do? it sounds to me like they are taking advantage of him because he is not aware of his rights. i feel like calling the plant supervisor or workers comp section and giving them a piece of my mind. my dad is an honest man and he has worked hard all his life and continues to do so for ashley furniture. he deserves better than this. i want to resolve this asap. any help is appreciated.

[stitchmeupdoc]

L a w y e r !!!!

[BvIA]

Please don't call the employER, even though you are his daughter, you have no interest or legal bearing on your fathers claim.

The ER does have the right to second opinion...if the claim is accepted, they are paying the bills.

You have a bit of confusion here has he got the diagnosis on his own..which is fine, but the ER is taking this as a work injury. As such, they have rights too.

So, a WC claim has/will be filed, the ER/IC will investigate the claim and determine if the injury is compensable. This could well be a soft tissue injury, occurring over time...CT or Cumulative Trauma injury. Yup they/can do resolve on their own over time. (we know...his doctor said surgery. Has he in fact had a second opinion...? I wouldn't jump to any surgery based on what one doctor said.)

The IC doctor may have already viewed the MRI reports and is basing his opinion on your fathers Dr reports. That is not unusual, there is no need for additonal MRI...nothing would have changed, and the cost just continue to build.

i dont know anything about pinched nerves but im guessing time wont heal them

If it's soft tissue, or -bulging disk, time can heal. Muscle spasm contracts on the vertebra and causes them to pinch on a nerve. If there is herniation... a collapsed disk, then yes, surgery is an option. Here is a site that may help you understand the workings of the spine, and treatment options...http://understandingspinesurgery.com...ns.asp?d=bray&
Here is the Wisconsin info for IW's http://www.dwd.state.wi.us/wc/workers/default.htm, this should help you with understanding what benefits are available, what is not, and how the system/process moves along.\

If he is being denied benefits, then is may be a good idea to consult with an attorney. There is no up front cost for this and a fee- only if there is a award/settlement.

BTW...good idea to keep the identifying ER, or Ins Co. out of your posts. Could be a identifier of your Dad's claim.

[disappearingboy]

I would think any sane person would have doubts about the results of a second opinion in any potential work related injury, compensable or no.

If you're going to get a truly objective 2nd opinion, try to get one out of pocket if you can afford ( on your own tab ).

[kelly38]

I recommend to consult with a few work comp attorney's.

[MONEY$LAVE 209]

thanks for the replies people. im actually his son (not daughter. lol.) and i have no clue when it comes to workers comp and work related injuries. im in the army and i guess i have been taking health care for granted. plus im pretty healthy or at least i think i am. what concerns me is that my dad was injured months ago and he hasnt gotten any answer other than wait longer. is four months a normal wait time for something like a pinched nerve? my dad is open to alternatives, i mean he is not pushing for an operation he just wants relief. is consulting with a lawyer a good idea at this point? i just got home from work so i havent taken a look at those links yet but i will. thanks for taking the time out to post those. i will talk with my dad tonight and try to get more info on his condition.

[kelly38]

A consultation should be free for a work comp attorney. I suggest he meet with a few.

It is normal for the insurance company/employer to request a second opinion for surgery.

Four months is not long to wait for surgery in work comp time.

Ple

BTW...good idea to keep the identifying ER, or Ins Co. out of your posts. Could be a identifier of your Dad's claim.

I agree. Be careful about posting too much personal information, that could identify your Dad to a insurance company or employer. Insurance company's read these forums too, unfortunately.