I have been off work since the end of Feb last year. The MRI has deemed I have a severe lower lumbar sprain. I have 4 bulging discs and have had 3 epidural spinal injections with cortisone to try to alleviate the chronic pain.

I had been receiving weekly benefits up until two weeks ago. My WC hired a Voc Rehab Co to get me back to work even though I was NOT able to complete the Work Conditioning Program set out by my Specialist and Physical Therapist. My Specialist has listed me as having a permanent disability (6% according to Indiana Guidelines) and with permanent restrictions.

I had a meeting with the Voc Rehab person and TOLD HER, I didn't feel I was able to work with such chronic pain. I also told her I wanted to be considered for retraining. Never the less, she kept sending me information of places she wanted me to go and apply for work. I balked at it. I never went to any of them. I did tell her I had retained the services of an attorney.

After meeting with an attorney in Kalamazoo (only met him once), he first advised me that I should be filing for Social Security Disablility. He also said he was going to send a letter to Voc Rehab and to my WC, advising them he was handling my case. He would be asking for rehab training and to settle me case. Shortly there after, I recieved a letter of Dispute of Claim from the WC, ending any and all benefits due my "non-compliance" and not applying for work.

As of today, it has been 10 days since my last phone call to the attorney's office. I have called him 3 times. I sent two faxes with the letter of Dispute. I have not heard one word from him, nor any letters or other form of communication. Has he done ANYTHING on my behalf?? I haven't a clue.

My question is: Do I still have a case with WC and how long do I should I wait before I try contacting this attorney again?? Should I consider retaining a different attorney?? The clock is ticking......... bills need to be paid.