But the Devil got beat today. I injured my right shoulder in Dec . Followed company policy and reported it. Next day it got worse so I was told to go to the ER in Ga. X-ray showed nothing as I expected. Doc said he thought i tore my rotator cuff. Said if I could stand the pain I could drive. Company decided to fly me home. A couple of days later I went to company doctor. They said let's try some PT. After the 3rd trip the PT therapist sent me back to the doc. Said I should not be doing PT. Doc said I think your rotator cuff is torn, let's get a MRI. 3 days later my company denies my claim saying I had previously hurt that shoulder. The previous injury they were talking about was an accident 2.5 years ago. I got hit by another 18 wheeler. I jumped a curb and hit a retaining wall. At the ER I said my back, neck and right arm hurt. The next day when I was released I said my neck,back and right elbow and wrist hurt. I was never treated for a right shoulder injury. I had my appeal hearing on the 16th of April. I got the verdict today. The judge said it was a compensateable injury. And insurance company owed me lost pay with interest and they have to pay for my medical bills. I payed for an MRI out of my own pocket. I have a full tear , it's torn away from the bone. So surgery will be forthcoming. Sometimes the worker wins.

Glad it worked out for you. Prayers for your surgery.

Congrats but the workman’s comp is just now beginning and it will become a PITA the rest of the way. Speaking on my wife’s experience, shattered her wrist, with workman’s comp, they chose the Dr’s and everything. It didn’t cost us anything out of our pocket but it was a huge PITA.

You are allowed to choose your own doctor. And according to my Ombudsman there should be know roadblocks or problems since the court ruled in my favor. So I'm hoping it goes that way. They also have to pay be from Dec until now with interest in a lump sum. I'm blessed I could handle the financial end of it since Dec.

Glad you are on your way to getting better. My guess is this will be just like dealing with an insurance company... you'll have to learn how to navigate the system and speak the language, buzz words that you cannot say, and buttons to push to get things done. Sounds like the hardest part is done though, forcing them to accept responsibility for the problem. Best of luck to you getting all fixed up!

It’s unfortunate it had to go that far for you to get approved. So many people try to fake injury on comp claims that it makes it way to difficult at times for the actual legitimate work related injuries to get the green light. Go get that surgery and get back to fishin!

Amen!

Workers comp is a PITA for all involved, including the healthcare providers and their staff. Glad your outcome was positive and best of luck with the shoulder surgery. There will be more than 1 option for post-surgical. shoulder rehab. Do your research and find a PT that has a relationship with your surgeon. Rehab will go much smoother.

It goes both ways, we had an employee who was trying to get paid for months for an injury that should have taken 1 month and no big deal. They ended up having PI get video of her playing golf when she supposedly was too hurt to walk. Lots a scammers out there.

All I can tell you is after this is over don’t ever utter the words “workman’s comp” to any doctor you ever go see in the future.

It scares them to death..

It’s a joke in Oklahoma - the employee can screw the company and you can literally do nothing about it. I had 2 cases against me. Both of them got hurt so legitimate claims- even though they both got hurt for not following safety rules. But anyways both hurt- comp is paying all the bills, one got a six figure settlement even though he was working fine for another company at that point and the other was getting comp payments for me while working just fine for another company. Once comp gets involved here the company is pretty much along for the ride they just send you periodic updates on the screwing you are taking.

Congratulations on getting the benefits that you are entitled to as an employee. Workers comp make you fight for everything and half the people give up seeking benefits. I was employed with a company for 30 years and had to go through the same situation and go before a judge and also win my case. They will tell you that you have lifetime medical on that injury but once you quit that company they will say you hurt it somewhere else. They even had investafgaters follow me around taking pictures when I turned in an old injury seeking medical treatment. Keep in mind that I didn't even work for that company anymore. Don't forget to do all your rehab which really helps out and then get your impairment rating as well. I just had on the 9th of April another rotator cuff repair, same shoulder 2 torn tendons, Doctors said major tear and will start rehab next month on the 12th. Doc also said it will be 6 months before I am completely healed up because of age and tear. Good luck with your surgery and rehab. My experience fighting with worker comp claims has helped in the future dealing with insurance claims, same program.