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+--- Thread: Scared to death (/showthread.php?tid=8657)
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Scared to death - michael427 - 10-11-2009 06:01 PM
I'm on Kansas. I'm a paramedic and I hurt my back. I have some herniations and alot of pain. The doc is doing a fusion of l5 s1. I go in for it the 21st. He says I won't be able to return to EMS. This is all I've done for 10 years and I love my job. I don't know anything about disability or workers comp and I'm sitting home with alot of time to worry about what will happen and what to do. Is there a settlement? How long will they pay me? Can I go back to school? Should I get a lawyer? Thanks.
RE: Scared to death - 1171 - 10-11-2009 06:27 PM
there will probably be settlement/impairment benefits.
temporary disability is paid during recovery and stops when you've reached maximum medical improvement.
worker comp won't prohibit you from going to school.
if you have legal problems you need a lawyer. it's not required in order to get benefits.
you should learn about the comp system and your rights
http://www.dol.ks.gov/WC/HTML/wc_ALL.html
RE: Scared to death - michael427 - 10-11-2009 06:29 PM
1171 Wrote:there will probably be settlement/impairment benefits.
temporary disability is paid during recovery and stops when you've reached maximum medical improvement.
worker comp won't prohibit you from going to school.
if you have legal problems you need a lawyer. it's not required for workers comp,
you should learn about the comp system and your rights
http://www.dol.ks.gov/WC/HTML/wc_ALL.html
Thank you.
RE: Scared to death - Bummer Knees - 10-11-2009 06:49 PM
Welcome to the forum!
I also am from Kansas, injury was 2005.
What part of the state are you from?
RE: Scared to death - michael427 - 10-11-2009 06:58 PM
Bummer Knees Wrote:Welcome to the forum!
I also am from Kansas, injury was 2005.
What part of the state are you from?
southeast. they said something about a settlement. not sure how that works. since I won't be able to work as a paramedic now I guess I'll go to nursing school.
RE: Scared to death - backache - 10-11-2009 07:34 PM
Michael search through the forum and you may find answers to your questions. Most of the time if you go back to others posts you will be able to find what you are looking for. We have all had the same questions at one time or another. Welcome to the forum. Backache
RE: Scared to death - Bummer Knees - 10-11-2009 08:13 PM
We have several nurses on the forum, perhaps they will post.
I am from the Wichita area.
RE: Scared to death - chrischris - 10-12-2009 04:14 PM
Hi Michael,
I'd get a 2nd opinion. How does this doc know you will still be disabled after the surgery?
RE: Scared to death - michael427 - 10-12-2009 04:24 PM
chrischris Wrote:Hi Michael,
I'd get a 2nd opinion. How does this doc know you will still be disabled after the surgery?
This is actually my 3rd opinion. The Doc says I'll be a small percent disabled and mainly won't go back to my current career. I'm a paramedic and all the docs say I'll reinjur if I go back to it. I'm currently looking into retraining as a nurse since they only have a 50 pound lift requirement in my hospital. plus they have aids to lift and are doing it in a controlled environment. It's hoisting the people out of crushed cars and such that got me into this. I never want to hurt like this again. Anyway, the first 2 docs wanted to fuse L3 to S1. This one is the best around here and he says he can fuse L5 S1 where the damage is worst and then repair the herniations above. He said it will take a long time for new bone to grow in and even after recovery he doesn't want me lifting over 50 pounds. I can't work for EMS and not lift 50 pounds.
RE: Scared to death - Still in Limbo - 10-12-2009 04:44 PM
Michael, Welcome to the Forum! I have Endured Lower Back Surgery, so I Totally Understand Your Fear of having Someone Manipulate Your Spine. But if All of the Conservative Treatments have been Tried, Surgery does Sound Like the Correct Course! Knowledge is Power, and the More You can Learn about Your w/c System in Your State, and Your Operation, the More at Ease You will Feel! You will find a Wealth of Knowledge on Here from Great Folks that have Walked where You haven't Yet, and Hopefully in the Future You will Be able to Pay it Forward!! Again Welcome!!
