by Dandelion Doolittle

Created on: January 26, 2010

Being injured on the job can be an atrocious experience.  Two consequences commonly prevail: financial ruin and severe depression.  There are ways to avoid these, if you know how the Workers Compensation system works.

I was a chef for one of the largest catering companies in Los Angeles.  Approximately twelve years ago, I received three consecutive injuries at work.  I reported the injuries to my supervisor.  Each time I asked to see a doctor, and each time I was ignored.  Finally, I went to see my family physician.

After my examination, I called one of the owners of the company to ask about paying the bill.  An argument ensued over the telephone.  Reluctantly she put the charges on her credit card.  The same thing happened at the facility where they fit me for arm braces.  She was clearly trying to avoid a Workers Comp claim.

I got nowhere with the insurance company.  Obviously, I needed an attorney.  I went to a coffee shop where professionals give speeches on various legal topics.  The owner of the shop referred me to a Workers Comp lawyer.

My lawyer wasn’t very good, so I decided to do some research on Workers Comp.  I went to the library and bookstores.  I purchased an invaluable book entitled, "Take Charge of your Workers Compensation Claim."  You can purchase this book new for $69.98 or used for $5.00 on Amazon.com.  I obtained an insurmountable amount of information from this book.  There is a website produced by an attorney with three pages of frequently asked questions with answers, that is most helpful.

I discovered you need a physician who knows the system.  I learned about statutes, labor codes, penalties on late payments, mileage reimbursement; oh, I became well informed regarding my rights as an injured employee.  I found out if your doctor writes a prescription, you can have housekeeping services, a new mattress and box springs, physical therapy, pool therapy, pilates; the realm of possibilities is amazing.  The insurance company has to pay for these items, and if not, then you go to the Workers Compensation Appeals Board and the judge will likely rule in your favor.

My lawyer aggressively urged me to settle my case after a couple of months for a pittance of its true value.  I was still wearing braces, having excruciating pain, in a spiral depression, suffering from disquietude and my finances were in disarray.  Plus, I was in need of further medical treatment as well as physical therapy.

I met with him in his office, pointed out the many facts I had ascertained and fired him.  He was flabbergasted and embarrassed.

Through an acquaintance at my orthopedic surgeon’s office, I found an excellent attorney.  He referred me to another doctor.  I got all of the things I mentioned earlier.  And luckily, the insurance company had to pay me a lot of penalties.

My case is temporarily settled yet still pending before the Appeals Board.  I just had another round of physical therapy.  My physician recently wrote a prescription for six months of membership at the YMCA so I can resume my pool therapy.  Until a final settlement, I will continue to receive my checks bi-weekly, get medical treatment as needed and rejoice in whatever my doctor deems necessary for me.

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