Workers Comp Help
Torn Rotator Cuff From Falling At The Office
I am a professional with a large aerospace company. In fact I am the human resources person, covering 4 states. In this capacity, I handle the workers compensation issues.... issues that arise when there is a "problem" with a claim. Problems which include non-work related injuries, non-payment of medical bills, prescriptions, etc for work related injuries. I have helped my company to uncover "fakers" and questionable claims. Now, I am the one going through the problems.... Who helps me?
I was injured in a fall at the office in May, my boss and a secretary were in the office within 30 seconds (the secretary heard me hit the floor). I went to the hospital later in the day because the pain in the left arm was getting worse. I was referred to an Orthopedic doctor, the insurance agency, Kemper, was contacted... they did not want me to use the local doctor, so we worked out that I would use a doctor 57 miles away. That was in June 2002 (2 weeks from the date of injury). That doctor found a "possible torn rotator cuff" but even though he requested a MRI, Kemper said no....
The short of it... I went to the doctor several times, getting worse each time, Kemper sent me to physical therapy, even though the doctor still needed an MRI for an accurate diagnosis. Mean time, I was involved in another claim for another employee (this is my job!) the employee died after surgery under workers comp. The widow couldn't read or write, she is from another country and barley speaks English... Kemper was at the hospital within 1 hour of his death wanting "details" from the widow, and for her to sign all sorts of papers... I told them until she had time to handle his death that they needed to back off.... Now is when my problems really began with "my" claim.... Kemper is now saying that I did the injury bow hunting (which incidentally didn't start until 1 OCT '02).
I have been to the Kemper doctor, he agreed with my doctor, and the MRI (which were done after my doctor and the physical therapist raised Cain!) Now they want me to go to another doctor.... I hired a lawyer.... but still the run around, I will be waiting months for court dates.... but my employer, my manager are in support of me, they have said they know it was done at work, they have contacted the company Workers Compensation department, telling them they are in support of me.... Doesn't Kemper work for the company? Aren't they the contracted agency for my company? Are they not supposed to do the work "directed" by my company???
My program management has supported me through out this ordeal.... Why then is Kemper allowed to do just the opposite of what my management says? If my company can't direct Kemper in it's decisions, then who represents who?