question about rating

[genegene]

I think most of the pushing for a rating came from my attorney that I had at the time. He just wanted me to rush into a settlement. Luckily I had the workers comp forum to help me out or I would have been in a whole lot of trouble.
Since the total knee is supposed to be the last surgery that I will need (God willing) the ic will probably start asking for an impairment rating from my doctors. I guess mainly I was wondering if they can't use the first ratings how long does the next step take.
There is a company already working on a set-aside, which I thought was premature as well since they were adding in the costs of the surgery I just had as well as the one that was coming up.
Seems to me like if they would just quit trying to get rid of me so fast it would save them alot of do-overs.

[stiffnecked]

A total knee arthroplasty calls for a different impairment rating. It's a big deal.

[sparkey]

And then of course like me, i get a half decent rating because of my ADL's being effected, and the ic doesn't like it and sets me up with a IME the beginning of next month. I think that is so unfair when they can do that, because of course this doctor that was hired by the lawyer will be on their side seeing the lawyers hired him. If this comes back to where i do not like it, i may have to have a IME from a doctor of my choosing. I only pray that this doctor is honest in his decision and feels that 19% is a fair rating.

[Lilly]

genegene,
Smart move IMO for not settling. neither side, nor you, knows the outcome of your knee surgery. Total knee IS a big deal as stiffnecked said. It is basically an amputation.
Sounds to me like WC/IC is searching for the cheapest route (settle now) and lawyer was looking for a quick buck.
Take care, prayers for you! Lilly

[genegene]

Thats exactly what I thought, too. This guy even told me that most people didn't have surgeries but took the money. Needless to say he is no longer employed by me. They gave a great offer (according to him) but they wanted me to pay for the last 2 surgeries out of it. I did my research and I was going to come out 40,000 in the hole and thats without complications. I think these people think that just because you are hurt that you have no sense.
What really scares me is how many people fall for this crap.
Does anyone have any idea on how long it takes for you to semi get back to normal after a knee replacement? I know I will be in p.t. for 3 months.

[jayne]

yes alot do but they are in the position of losing everthing this month and the IC knows it....hence the quick settlement

[genegene]

I know I have been fighting this fight for almost 3 years and am really tired. It seems like I am butting my head against the wall most of the time. Someday, maybe it will be all right or at least tolerable. I keep getting these stupid comments about how lucky I am to be on wc, about how I am going to have all this money. Yeah right. I wish they had to deal with these people and if they know anyone who has ever got rich on wc I wish they would introduce them to me.
By the time you ever get anything from them you are so far in debt it takes anything you get to catch up. Its a never ending cycle of pain and frustration, or at least it has been for me.

[Lilly]

genegene...Talk to BadBoy...he just had a knee replacement...most depends on the individual and skill of the MD.

Lilly

[Bummer Knees]

In Kansas a total knee replacements results in a 35-55% rating.

[genegene]

I'm from GA so I need to research some more. The first time they did the rating my ortho gave me 38% on the knee and 25% for the back. That was before I had surgery on either of them. Thats what I was wondering if it will go up or down. I guess it will be another waiting game.