Released to Work with No Restrictions

[lowback]

My workers compensation claim was made in the State of: MI
I injured my low back on 9/2017
Claim filed, MRI L-4 disc bulge, L-5 S-1 disc protrusion
Was refered to sports medicine rehabilitation specialist at an orthopedic office.
In 8 weeks I did 3 ESI in low back and PT.
I'm much better, once I figured out not to forward bend and cut out alot
of bending stretches PT recommended. I have to get back to work finacially and '
the DR said it was a good idea to try.
He released me to work with No Restrictions. Follow up 3 weeks after return to work date.
However when I got my 3rd and last ESI, he said he was going to write
me a referral to a neurosurgeon and I might be a candidate for surgery but he
wasn't sure because he is not a surgeon. When he looked at my MRI images
he always said the discs didn't look that bad and I should fully recover in 6-12 months.
DR said I should learn to live with the pain and deal with it or go see a surgeon.
So when I told the nurse case manager my return to work date, she said she was closing this
out and would keep the medical open. I dont have a lawyer at this time so I'm not sure what
she mean't by closing this out. My plan is to go to work and see how my back is when I go for
the follow up and decide if I need to see the surgeon.
Any replies or comments appreciated. So far IC doing everything they should and I've had no problems.
Goodluck to all of you with pain and injuries. Please research Stewart McGill and some of his methods
can really help you.

[tony]

lowback

So when I told the nurse case manager my return to work date, she said she was closing this
out and would keep the medical open. I dont have a lawyer at this time so I'm not sure what
she mean't by closing this out.

That means you're about to get screwed.
Case managers are hired by the carrier to close your claim as early as possible, by any means necessary - she doesn't have your best interest at heart.
Have no further contact with that case manager until you consult and retain a lawyer, she's rolling you.

Tony

[lowback]

She said she was leaving the medical open.
So as long as my employer doesn't fire me when I go back, I'm thinking I'll be ok. I thought she meant closing it, as in, the ttd payments

Also, I don't want to pi** off my employer, they're a small company and I've been there for a while

[tony]

She said she was leaving the medical open.
So as long as my employer doesn't fire me when I go back, I'm thinking I'll be ok. I thought she meant closing it, as in, the ttd payments

Also, I don't want to pi** off my employer, they're a small company and I've been there for a while

If it'll pi** off your employer because you're protecting your rights, so be it - if you're going to play that game, are you going to forfeit future medical in fear of p** off the employer too?
Where does it stop?

That employer and carrier have a seasoned law firm representing their interest, that case manager is acting out of legal advice from that firm - does that p** you off?
Once they close the claim you'll have to reopen if in the future you have complications, you'll have to file a second injury claim - I assure you they will deny liability and say you aggravated your back in off work activities.
There are a few dozen other tricks, this is just one possibility.

You need a lawyer to protect your interest and act as a buffer between you and that case manager - it sounds like she already has you under her spell.
Do as you please, don't say you weren't warned.

Good Luck
Tony

[Never Ending Story]

I waited 3 months before hiring my attorney, my father and soninlaw talked me into it. You can only go so long without a paycheck or medical treatment. I've had 2 neck surgeries and 2 rotator cuff surgeries, still not remotely close to what I was before my work comp injury, almost 3 years ago in September. The work comp doctor they hired to do the second rotator cuff surgery removed my weight restrictions, but indicated no repetitive overhead movements and is sending me to pain management. Even tho the physical therapist indicated I can only lift 8 to 10 pounds safely, he took the restrictions off. When I told him I can't lift, that I will drop a client, he said, "well we will see what happens!" I told him, you are risking not only my safety but the clients safety. He could give two shits about it. So now I am wondering if I can get fired for refusing to lift? I did see something at the osha site which indicated your employer can't make you do anything...that will cause yourself harm or endanger the safety of another.. I'm wondering if I'll get fired if I refuse to lift the client? I am really scared I am going to reinjure myself or a client....what happens then!

[tony]

That therapist doesn't determine final restrictions, your doctor does.
Never refuse anything, you have to at least try - go to work and do your best, if you need help ask.
If they fire you after you gave it your best, you may be eligible for wage loss payments or unemployment..

Tony