Neck Pain Worse 13 Months Later

[rmoore007]

I was hurt  at work 10/28/05.  On 08/12/06 they fused C3,C4,C5, and C6.  I know it takes time  to heal but 13 months later and I have more pain now then before the surgery.  Workers Comp is now trying to get me to come up with a settlement amount.  First question, why so much pain still, sharp shooting pain from C2 down and it doesn't take much to get the shooting pains.  Second question, would you consider a settlement when your still having so much pain and how much.  I already told them I am not talking settlement until I know why still so much pain and that it's worse than before surgery.
I am 57 years old and was in great health until I was hurt at work.  After surgery they had me back at work in 2 months and I worked (light duty) until I was laid-off on 09/13/07, due to plant closing.  I live in Michigan if that helps at all.

[robb262]

i reopen my wc case on 09-08-2008 and was sent a letter from my employer saying i was unable to do my duties and my last day is 09-15-2008 that is retaliation

[melo64]

NO, NO , NO! DO NOT SETTLE!!!!!!!!
I am far into my W/C claim and I have had three surgeries like BEV62. My claim was submitted in 2001 and by 2004 I had had my Carpel tunnel, Ulnar Nerve, and Neck surgery by 2004 and at this point it is considered a "failed surgery". I continue to have pain up and down my spine as well and my arms and hands. I had a double fusion with plating in 2004 that has now caused herniations one level above and two levels below the plate. I continue to see a Pain Management doctor and I'm on an array of medication. My employer terminated me because I ran out of leave benefits so workers comp. starting paying me 2/3rds of my pay. To make a long story short, I have been through hell and highwater with w/c and that's exactly what they want you to do, is frustrate you so bad that you give in to a settlement. There are A LOT of things to consider before settling. Too much to go into right now.....at this point I have a court date in March and I can't wait! One big thing I need to mention is that I was the W/C representative for the company that terminated meand they know that I KNOW the LAW! Please do not settle before finding out what you are entitled to under w/c. They DO NOT pay you for pain & suffering either. The money that they would offer you is not enough to cover your continued long term medical care and you can forget your health insurance paying your claims because they know that it was work related.  Have you thought about filing for Social Security disability?  Has your Dr. returned you back to work? With restrictions? I know you said you got laid off. Have you found another jopb? Are you still treating with your Dr.? Again, there's a lot of information about the laws that you need to be aware and prepared. Do you fall under the state or federal laws? Let me know because they are somewhat different.
I can go on and on about this issue but you can email me if you want my email address. I'll be glad to help you.

Melo64

[rmoore007]

I have not retained a lawyer but have been talking with one regularly who knows the company I worked for well.  He says as long as workers comp keeps paying I don't need to retain him yet.  The company I worked for won't replace a part that cost less then $50.00, it broke and now I have been in pain even since.  Was scheduled for an MRI on 09/25/07 but they couldn't do it because to much metal in my neck.  Now they are going to try a CAT scan on the 9th of October.

[bev62]

I'm about in the same situation as you are.  I was hurt at work 05/25/05.  I was told by an orthopedic doctor that I had a torn rotator cuff which was repaired on 02/13/06. Due to the numbness and neck pain I was sent to a nerosurgeon.  On 11/08/06 he did an ACDF (C5-C7) due to ruptured disks.  It has been over ten months and I'm in more pain than before surgery.  I've had every kind of test that could be thought of and my doctor says that everything looks great.  My neck and shoulder burns and aches all the time, I have terrible headaches everyday.  I am still taking muscle relaxers and Demeral every 4 hours.

Last month my doctor sent me for an EMG because my pinky and ring finger were numb.  The test was normal but the doctor still thought that I had damaged my Ulnar nerve in my elbow when I fell on it.  He also said that it could be causing my shoulder pain.  I am now 4 weeks post-op from that surgery.  I have no feeling in my pinky or ring finger and my arm is numb up to my elbow.  I know that some of the feeling will probably come back, but my shoulder pain is no better and so far all I've got from the surgery is an incision about 9 inches long on my arm.
I haven't worked since before my fusion in Nov.  And now three surgerys later I'm worse than I was to begin with.  I just want to know what is causing this pain and will it ever go away.

Workers comp hasn't wanted to settle yet, but with it getting close to being a year since I went out of work I look for them to start putting the pressure on.  I retained an attorney soon after my accident so he will take care of all of that.  But I know he want accept a settlement on thier terms.  My injury was caused by the neglagence of six supervisors, so he is going to push it to the limit.  Espescially with me still in the condition I'm in.  He recently ask my doctor if he would refer me for a pchycological evaluation which showed that I was very depressed and should have treatment right away.  After going thru this kind of **** who wouldn't need treatment.  My attorney also said that my company would be responsable for medical treatment on my injurys for the rest of my life.  I don't know if that applies to every state but it does in Tn.  

I was also perfectly healthy before this happened.  I am 45 and my husband and I waited late in life to have children.  We have a 7 year old and a 4 year old.  Now I am so messed up I can barely care for them.  I just don't want thier memories of childhood being thier mother all crippled up and not being able to do anything with them.  

If you haven't retained an attorney I would certainly look into it.  Workers comp is going to take care of the company not you, so you need someone looking out for your best interest and someone that knows the laws.  I'm sorry your having to go thru so much pain.  Good luck.