Does anyone know about reopening a workmans comp claim?!
Question: I had a shoulder injury when i worked at costco and i opened a claim. They told me it was a sprained tendon and it would get better with some physical therapy. Which i did what they told me. It took a couple of months but i seemed to get better, my shoulder still bothered me but I didnt want to be on light duty anymore so I closed my claim. Anyway and few years later my shoulder is hurting more than ever, I cant sleep and cant even undress myself. It has been hurting this badly for the last 8 months. I went to the emergency room and they told me it would be difficult to reopen my claim because i would have to prove that it was the same injury. Anyhow , my question is has anyone been in this situation before and what should i do? I dont have medical insurance now because i work in sales, so i have no choice but to deal with this. Please give me any suggestions you have. Thanks
Answers: I had a shoulder injury when i worked at costco and i opened a claim. They told me it was a sprained tendon and it would get better with some physical therapy. Which i did what they told me. It took a couple of months but i seemed to get better, my shoulder still bothered me but I didnt want to be on light duty anymore so I closed my claim. Anyway and few years later my shoulder is hurting more than ever, I cant sleep and cant even undress myself. It has been hurting this badly for the last 8 months. I went to the emergency room and they told me it would be difficult to reopen my claim because i would have to prove that it was the same injury. Anyhow , my question is has anyone been in this situation before and what should i do? I dont have medical insurance now because i work in sales, so i have no choice but to deal with this. Please give me any suggestions you have. Thanks
Generally workmans comp claims can last up to six years. However, in your interest it's advisable for you to contact a lawyer who deals with workmans comp. Explain to them your situation and get their advice. If they need documents, get any document relating to your injury that could help testify.
Good luck!
It depends on the claim, and whether or not you settled. Pull out you old paperwork and see if you agreed to hold the company harmless. How did you close your claim?
What is your current shoulder injury? Forget the emergency room, unless you have torn ligaments, or something. Did you tell them this is an old injury? How do you know?
Having had serious Carpal Tunnel and paid a neurologist out of my pocket, my nerve bundles are messed up, including my elbow and shoulder. I would never do the same work, all the doctors told me it would be painful. Do you have a company nurse? Go see her first, try her recommendations and work with the company, first. If that doesn't work for you, file a new claim, explaining your actions and background.
You may have to pay first, file the claim with worker's comp, file a claim at work and hire an attorney. I would not try an old claim, I would file a new one.