disability payments start then stop

[cayla99]

What is the name of your state?
I am in California

In June I went to the doctor because my thumb hurt. I was diagnosed with dequervains tensyonitis. My Doctor told me this was work related and i need to file a claim with my employer. Claim was filed and accepted. The company Dr. placed my hand in a brace that made it impossible for me to write then sent me back to work..( i write 8 hours a day)..about a month later my thumb hurt so bad i couldn't move it with or without a brace. I checked with the state on the Doc's license and found out that in the last 3 years he had been put on probation 4 times and suspended for 6 months around 2 years ago. I called My work comp adjuster and was given permission to choose my own doctor. In september, my doctor said the situation was bad enough that it required surgery. He took me off work so that the swelling could go down before the operation. meanwhile....the w/c sent me back to dr quack for a second opinion. He agreed surgery was an option....but i should only miss about a days work for the operation. No need for me to be off before or after surgery. at that point wc cut off my disability payments. The reating doc still insists I be off until after surgery and recovery. Insurance company has not authorized the surgery yet. I am a single mother of 2 and I am unable to get help. Because the claim had been accepted, state disability will not pay me. My attorney says that in the end I will get all the pay I am due, but what do I do in the meantime? any suggestions?

 

[Beth3]

I was going to advise you to consult with a worker's comp attorney but I see you already have one. What does he advise you to do?

 

[cayla99]

He said he doesn't have any short term answers. He says all he can do is call them and remind them that if this is settled in front of the board there will be penalties. Lots of help in the mean time. I do believe I have a good attorney. He always returns my calls, even if it happens to be late at night or on a weekend. He says that it is impossible for him to fly to wisconson and stand over the company's shoulder and force them to write a check. All that can be done at this point is take them to court. Which he is doing. Unfortunetly, that does not pay the rent, electricity or food. I need help NOW not a month from now.

 

[Beth3]

Your attorney is correct. You and the worker's comp carrier are in dispute and the State is going to have to settle the matter between the two of you at a hearing (unless all the parties agree to a compromise, which often happens about 30 minutes before the hearing is scheduled.)

All I'm afraid I can advise the meantime is for you to contact social services in your area and see if they can provide you with any assistance in the interim. Sorry I couldn't be of more help. I know it's a particularly tough time of year to be in financial distress.