Workers Comp Help
Back Injury And Hernia At Work
I was injured in 1997 in Ohio. I was put off work by two doctors. My employer found light duty work for me so I returned to work until April 98 at which time I had a large hernia repaired, 78 stitches. I was off work for 8 weeks but my pain continued. I was finally diagnosed with Aggravated Degenerative Disc Disease. My employer fought every allowance that Workers' Compensation approved.
It took me three years to have my back surgery. Due to the long delay in getting the surgery, the surgeon had to remove my disc at L-5 S-1 and take bone out of my hip to make me a new one. My disc could've been saved if not for the delay by my employer appealing every allowed diagnosis to my claim.
I am now on permanent restrictions of lifting only 10 pounds, which means I can never lift my grandchildren when my kids have kids. I can't bend, twist, stoop, stand for long periods of time, climb stairs, can't sit for long periods of time, etc. My life has been totally changed. I am now depressed and suffer with anxiety. I do see a therapist but that will never give me back my health. I was also terminated from my job after the two surgeries.
I was placed immediately on a medical layoff and that allowed my employer to not contribute to my retirement and took away all my benefits. My family has no health insurance and now the employer is taking us to Municipal Court trying to overturn the allowance of Aggravated Degenerative Disc Disease and I have to come up with money, $3,500 at least, for depositions and court costs to defend a decision that a state agency made, BWC.
I am one check away from homeless and my relationships with family and friends have suffered due to this situation. I am now trying to find a job with these restrictions.
This is how an injured worker is treated in Ohio