Workers Comp Help
Cervical Spine Injury From Assault At Work
I was injured in the later part of 2000. I was scared since I had a prior neck injury. Finally, I went to the Doctor. Yes, I filled out all the paper work and it was signed by my supervisor. I had three direct witnesses to my injury. I was assaulted by a client whom grabbed my neck and didn't let go. I was in pain when I left work an hour later.
I was on light duty by two weeks later I experienced such pain and stiffness that I couldn't answer a phone or sit at a computer. I have been of work till the present day. The last time I saw a treating Doctor was April 2001, a neurosurgeon, that said I didn't need surgery.
After that the workers comp. has closed my case. They closed my case in spite of continuing pain that has gotten worse. I am still appealing my case. They found a Doctor that said I can return to work even with continued pain.
My ability to lift is very limited now. One arm is weak and getting weaker as time passes. One of the Doctors told me I was imagining things when I told him I have tingling in my hand. Other symptom are neck, shoulder, joint pain, headaches, shooting pain down one arm, and buzzing in my ears on occasion. Did I say I am expected to lift frequently and often, 35 or more pounds.
My biggest problem is none of the doctors documented the symptoms I reported. I have little evidence to go to appeals with.
Oh, by the way the first person I saw was a PA. He documented an assessment but he never touched me.
I feel screwed.
Tina