I went for my MRI and a follow up appointment with the orthopedic specialist. After reviewing my films, they concluded that there was no damage that was permanent and I also asked them to include in the medical record- the impression on my shin. An x-ray was taken but serves no purpose because I didn't break my shin so the xray came back clear. Besides for the attempted cover up of my injury in the workplace, I am sure the impression can be compared to that of the carts' back support.
Seasoned doctors who handle workers comp claims seem to be very weary of any type of claim- as if they automatically assume that the patient is lying. The doctor left me very little room to speak, concerning the important details pertaining to my injury. In a sense, I was spoken down on and this made it very aqward to work with him. After all, his medical record is what makes or breaks a claim. At this point, I am again "on hold" until the medical record is completed. On the bright side, I don't need any surgery and am cleared for regular duty so now I can find another job.
If you are looking for advice on things you should do which I've learned on my own, here's a list. If anyone reading this has anything to add, feel free to post it up.
1. Start folders separated by catagory. Personal folder, workers comp, unemployment, WC Insurance carrier, doctor(s), mileage sheet(s) containing dates, destination, distance and time spent at the doctors. You should be reimbursed for your time at the doctors by your hourly wage. This may not be if you've been discharged and do not win a 31-290 (wrongful termination) case.
2. Take notes of who you talk to and when. As soon as information becomes available, do a continuation of your report starting with the day you were injured and/or discharged.
3. Keep track of your phone calls. I used my cell phone and Verizon Wireless has your bill and call details which may be printed out from their website.
4. Write a letter to the chairman of the Workers Compensation Commision (WCC) stating the reasoning for your claim as well as your name and address as well as the employers. Do not include key points in this letter as it will be copied and forwarded to the employer with the notice of hearing. They will take anything you present and try to find a way to use it against you or dismiss it.
5. Be sure to visit your states' WCC website for any type of information packet. This outlines the procedures and requirements of just about anything to do with the system.
6. Consult with a lawyer. Not just one either. If a lawyer knows that your talking to another and your case is strong, this creates some competition and makes them get off their ass and do something. If the lawyer doesn't take charge, they obviously don't give two s#!^$ about you. If a lawyer tells you there's a consultation fee, tell em no. In most cases (especially strong ones) they know they can win and get paid so they can waive the fee. Lawyers are there to make money. It's just unfortunate that you need one for wrongful termination cases because they are not easy to win. If you persue a case like this, you'd better have some strong evidence and good attendance to back it up.
7. Fulfill your unemployment obligations like job search. CT requires a minimum of 5 employment contacts per week. It may vary by state so check out the departent of labors website.

