257 Search Results for "fibromyalgia"
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klsbaz
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DEDICATED TO WORKCOMP1
- From: NeuroStimulator
-
Description:
THERE WAS GOING TO BE A BIG MEDICAL MEDIA STORY WHICH AGAIN IS BEEN PUT ON THE BACK BURNER WHY YOU ASK? THE REASON IS BECAUSE WORKERS COMP MEDICAL HORROR STORIES ISN'T THE SWINE FLUE OR THE STORY WE ALL KEEP HEARING EACH TIME WORKCOMP1 OR INSIDE222 POSTS ANOTHER BLOG.
HOW ABOUT JOHN WOODWORTH OUR VERY OWN DISABILITY DIGEST WEST COAST EDITOR WHO HAS PUBLISHED MANY STORIES ON WORKCOMP1 ON THE DIGEST. THE MEDIA KEEPS AVOIDING THIS STORY JUST AS RON'S LAST STORY AS HIS BLOG WHICH HAS OVER 5,000 VIEWS IN LESS THAN 2 MONTHS TIME.
THE INVESTIGATIVE REPORTER IN LAS VEGAS WHO DID THE LAST STORY ABOUT THE REAL TRUTH ON WORKERS COMP IN NV THAT IT'S ALL ABOUT THE INSURANCE COMPANIES. SO WHY NOT NOW WITH THE HEALTH CARE BILL NV IS THE WOSRT STATE OUT THERE? WHY IS THE MEDIA RUNNING THE OTHER WAY, WHEN HIS DR. IS THE ONLY ONE FIGHTING THE SYSTEM AND SO IS WORKCOMP1.
RON HAS OVER 10,000 VIEWS MORE THAN ANY OTHER DIGEST MEMBER. HE HAS HELPED ME SO MANY TIMES WITH GREAT ADVICE AND HIS BILL OF RIGHTS BLOG HAS HELPED SO MANY OF US ON THE DIGEST THAT WE JUST DON'T SOMETIMES TAKE THE TIME AND RATE HIS BLOGS.
HIS FAMILY IS LOOSING THEIR HOME DUE TO THIS AND HE IS IN WORST SHAPE NOW THEN AFTER THE FIRST SURGERY.
INSIDE222 HAS HAD A BLOG LAST MONTH WITH MORE THAN 2200 VIEWS ABOUT " NOBOBY IN LAS VEGAS WANTS TO INVESTIGATE THE WORKERS COMP SYSTEM" GREAT FEEDBACK WITH SOME NEW MEMBERS LIKE CHRISYM WHO HAS ALSO TRIED CALLING ON RADIO STATIONS ON HIS BEHLAF.
WORKCOMP1 FOR THOSE WHO DON'T KNOW HIM HAS HAD THE WORST TWO YEARS OF MEDICAL PROCEEDCURES AND WORKERS COMP SYSTEM HAS MADE HIS LIVE A LIVING HELL.
I ALSO KNOW HE HAS HELPED MANY OTHER MEMBERS IF YOU LOOK AT HIS PROFILE WORKERS COMP MEMBERS HAVE LOOKED FOR GUIDANCE FROM HIM. HE TRIES TO EDUCATE US AND HELP ANYONE IN NEED OF RIGHTS OR WHO ARE GOING THROUGH THE SAME STRUGGLES GUIDANCE.
I AM ASKING FOR THE MEMBERS TO GO ON AND RATE HIS BLOGS AND THIS ONE SO MAYBE THE MEDIA WILL MAKE IT A PRIORITY. IT'S TIME HIS FAMILY AND HIM GET SOME SALVATION AND SOME GOOD LUCK.
I AM INCLUDING SOME PAST BLOGS OF HIS AS WELL AS INSIDE222 WHERE YOU CAN SEND HIME A MESSAGE AS WELL FOR SUPPORT. IF WE ALL RATE THE BLOG AND WRITE ON BEHALF OF WORKCOMP1 SOMEONE HAS TO LISTEN.
PLEASE GIVE YOUR SUPPORT TO WORKCOMP1. HE HAS HELPED ME AND SO MANY OF US.
THANK YOU,
NEUROSTIMULATOR.
Workers' Compensation: Injured Workers at Disadvantage
Nevada's long-troubled workers' compensation system was drastically revised five years ago in hopes of streamlining the process of caring for injured workers. But if you are injured in the workplace now, the private companies that have taken control of the program could leave you without medical care, without compensation, and without a job.
John Taylor, with the Association of Injured Workers, said, "They stretch it out as long as they can. Taylor speaks from experience when he says the Nevada workers' compensation system delays the claims filed by injured workers. During the years he worked at the Nevada Test Site, Taylor lost an eye, demolished his hearing, and wrecked his back. He's spent the past 13 years fighting the system, which he says was bad when the state ran it and went downhill from there.
John Taylor said, "Other states, they've privatized. There you can still sue. Nevada is the worst."
Along with privatizing workers comp, Nevada also exempted insurance companies from legal damages if the companies ignore the law. The worst that could happen to them is they might have to pay out what they should have paid out in the beginning. So, why not deny and delay?
Dean Hardy, an attorney for injured workers, said, "So there is no incentive to say yes to compensation, or yes to medical care, or yes to a change of doctors. It gives blanket immunity to a third party administrator or insurer for violating the statues they're supposed to be upholding"
One of Dean Hardy's clients is a firefighter who suffered on the job injuries while fighting the early 80s blazes at the MGM and the Hilton, and other injuries as well. The county doesn't want to pay for hismedical care so the fireman has had to go to court to try and get his medical bills covered. At every step, the deck seems stacked against theinjured worker.
A 2005 legislative audit found that many workers aren't informed of their rights when injured. If they don't file a claim within seven days, it's too bad and too late. The state's Division of Industrial Relations is supposed to oversee the private insurers, but the audit found in more than half of the cases, the D.I.R. failed to force insurers to meet the statutory deadlines in handling claims and were lax in fining employers who had it coming.
Aubrey Goldberg, an attorney for injured workers, says the state seems to have little appetite for sanctioning companies that break the rules. "I find it's hard to get them to do those things most of the time. Is it much zeal? My personal view is no, there isn't."
Worst of all for the injured worker, Goldberg says, is the move to managed care programs. A worker injured on the job will be sent to a doctor or clinic that essentially works for the insurance company. "Their primary loyalty is to the people who are paying them and not to the injured worker," Goldberg added.
Dean Hardy says doctors have been known to reverse findings favoring the injured worker after being contacted privately by the insurers. "The doctors recognize what keeps them on the panel -- opinions that do not favor theinjured worker. Oftentimes those opinions aren't medically supportable, and that's really tragic. They will taint medical opinion and try to tailor it for the employer or insurer... I do see it happen."
Those doctors who do the right thing get fired, Hardy says. Workers who try to appeal bad rulings in hearings often find themselves up against lawyers or other experts hired by the other side.
Kelly Oakley, who demolished his back working at McCarran Airport, was terminated for medical reasons. A hearing officer was sympathetic but ruled for the other side. Oakley said, "Workers' comp? It's maybe one step above welfare, if that. They treat you like you're on welfare."
Officials at the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, which is supposed to oversee the privatized workers' compensation program, declined repeated requests by the I-Team for on camera interviews. However, they told us off-camera that injured workers are often at a disadvantage, especially if they have to fight for their claims without legal representation.
Eyewitness News plans to keep an eye on the workers' compensation story in the months ahead.
Email investigative reporter George Knapp at gknapp@klastv.com
Worker’s Comp System Severly Abuses Disabled Man
An earlier post from this blog annotates the woeful and absolute outrageous treatment being heaped upon one of our members, Ron Markowicz, by the Worker’s Comp System, including his own attorney, whose firm appeared to be in collusion with the Insurance Carriers by ceasing all pertinent services to his case apparently driven by fear of potential corporate harm through future litigation. No medical help for months. No answers from the attorney—-only mis-statements. No help anywhere.
As a former vocational counselor, I have seen this type behavior before—and it generally stems from a surgical mistake, then when aninjured worker continues to complain, the first thought emanating from the Carriers, attorneys, et. al is:
‘Stop the services! Send out false information to the worker! Make outrageous claims that the worker is not complying with the various service providers! Cover your ass!’
And ad naeuseum….the spin merchants, coupled with loss prevention departments of these huge insurance conglomerates begin to work their magic—–here’s what they do to a lot of people who might have a legitimate complaint: they simply stop sending their monthly check. No explanation. Can you imagine the panic?
As it is, you are lucky if you receive two thirds of your normal salary while on the Comp System—and now, suddenly, you have no money to pay for anything! Most of the times, they will re-start the financial benefits, but not before causing theinjured person to suffer further through stress by making them late for credit card or rent payments. Add to it a nightmarish quality– I have personally heardinsurance company rehab co-ordinators, while at industry ‘functions’, exclaim great humor at how many people they ‘put the screws to’ that week.
Folks, this stuff is industry wide, and it sickens me to watch it continue. This should be considered health care reform, too, and the political writers seem to simply ignore the horrendous level of abuse perpetrated by the ‘business’ side of this system, while the person who is already hurt and suffering, suffers further at the hands of those who should be honestly assisting them to achieve their best level of gainful re-entry to the work world. (or determine that will never be possible)
It should be obvious to all that creating an adversarial system, instead of a truly philanthropic, medically progressive streamlined system, the worst of all possibilities occur, where delays are normal, and communication among the providers is poor, at best. Built for failure.
And, as all our members know, the Social Security Disability system certainly seems bad enough— difficult and hurtful at many turns.
At this writing, there over a million cases which are officially ‘backlogged’ in the Social Security Disability system. Unless you take the free course offered here at the Disability Digest, you can easily wait three full years before receiving benefits. (and that’s if you’re not backlogged) Three years! No excuse can be offered which might even approach credibility.
But the Worker’s Comp System—-if anything can be more problematic than Social Security Disability, it’s this damnable system in which Ron Markowicz continues to suffer. But, some progress had been made. There may be a ray of sunshine.
While I cannot comment on case specifics, I can say that some advancement is being made on the medical side, as Ron’s original physician is only now re-activating his services to him, but still faces an uphill battle against a stone-walling industry.
Also, due to many different and serious inquires to the Nevada Governor’s Office, there has been progress toward publicizing Ron’s case fully, exposing it for the utter disgrace it remains. As it may involve the National media, his case could be re-opened, and the proper medical procedures enacted post haste. These major corporations do not appreciate black marks against them, as stockholders are already nervous these days.
So, with enough pressure, Ron would immediately receive the attention he needs, and in the proper order, which is vital in his case.
He is truly disabled, suffering the results of several breaks in his back from a serious fall while at work, then surgical mis-feasance resulting in pieces of metal floating in his back, now invading the surrounding soft tissue, creating intractable pain.
The link to the initial information in this case is a fairly long read, including my post describing the Worker’s Comp System, and the specific details of his case—then, a page of a well kept medical file which further elucidates Ron’s situation. Again, if any readers have a golden rolodex, please forward this appropriately.
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/blog/235/missing-in-action-justice-for-disabled-injured-worker/
We continue to press our efforts towards resolving this unsettling dilemma, as justice should have it. The overarching reality is: Ron’s case could be your own. He did not violate any ‘rules’ and was always forthcoming with his medical providers and insurance carrier. That was pre-surgery.
Today is a different story.
Best to all involved,
Advocate
john at thedisabilitydigest.com
PLEASE READ MY OTHER 2 BLOGS ON THE DIGEST AS WELL. PLEASE VOTE FOR THE WORKERS COMP. INJURED WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS TO BE PASSED. CA AS WELL AS MANY OTHER STATES ARE TRYING TO PASS THIS BILL. OF COURSE NV WE ARE NO WHERE NEAR CLOSE TO BEING HEARD OF ANY RIGHTS WHAT SO EVER.
ONCE AGAIN I THANK EVERYONE ON THE DIGEST FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND WITH YOUR COMMENTS AS WELL AS YOUR RATINGS IT HELPS FIGHT THE FIGHT.
WORKCOMP1
Nevada Worker Compensation System Flaws Detailed BY NV GOVERNMENTWORKERS COMP INJURED WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS
WORKCOMP1
NOBODY IN LAS VEGAS WANTS TO INVESTIGATE THE WORKER'S COMP SYSTEM...WHAT IS THE PROBLEM???
After reading about the terrible state of affairs happening in Las Vegas with their Worker's Comp system and reading Workcomp1 (Ron Markowicz's) blog and the tragic circumstances he has been put through by the system, I felt I needed to blog once again about his story and the LACK of effort on the part of investigative journalists not only in Las Vegas, but also in the National Media. I just can't understand why Ron's story has NOT been reported on by any journalist, as this is certainly NEWSWORTHY and would more than likely win a pulitzer prize for the journalist that writes/reports the piece. After reading the story written by George Knapp, which references a lot of the problems Ron has faced in the worker's comp system in Nevada, I am hopeful that Mr. Knapp will report on Ron's case specifically as the groundwork has already been laid and Ron's story will force the Nevadaworker's comp system to be overhauled and changed for the better.
And as in George Knapp's article which you can view at the end of this blog:
I live in California and have been through the Worker's Comp system here and found it to be pretty well managed. Of course, I did not go through any of the problems Mr. Markowicz has faced, but at least I received medical treatments, was compensated in a timely manner, was able to use the Independent Medical Review (to have a State certified Doctor) review my case and see if he found the same disability rating as my treating specialist (as the Insurance Company was trying to settle the claim for a very small amount & I did not agree with that rating).
As with many people here on The Disability Digest, these injustices CANNOT be allowed to continue and the community has to stand up and make a stand against the companies, attorneys, insurance companies, medical practitioners that mis-treat them. You would hope there would be some legal remedy, but in Ron's case it seems that his attorney (that he recently fired was asleep at the wheel)--malpractice, the one surgeon that removed the stimulator device from his back and left metal in his back--(malpractice)...There has been ONE shining light in Ron's story..His first Doctor who has been trying to help Ron get the treatment he needs, yet this Doctor has not been paid by theWorker's Comp system. Sometimes it can take 1 year or more for these Doctors to get paid by this system. What a travesty of justice NV has. Ron's Doctor's name is Dr. Daniel Fabito and should be highly commended and applauded for his efforts and his highly ethical treatment of Ron's case. This is amedical practitioner that more should try to be like as he has the care and well being of his patient in mind and he goes to great lengths to fight the good fight on the patient's behalf. I would recommend that anybody that gets injured on the job would go to this Doctor because he truly cares about his patients. Keep this Doctor in mind if you ever get injured while working inLas Vegas. Here's the Doctor's info:
Comprehensive & Interventional Pain Management
Daniel Fabito MD
AMA Board Certified
www.DrFabito.comContact: Info@DrFabito.com
PLEASE EVERYONE RATE THE BLOG, AND SUPPORT WORKCOMP1
- Blog post
- 5 days ago
- Views: 1673
-
The Peasants Cottage
- From: vsg
-
Description:
I had started a webpage to showcase the work we had done before both of us became disabled (rescue farm animals). That site is http://thepeasantscottage.com it also is to showcase my husband's many writings and it is a work in progress. But my skills at development are nil at best. I was a programmer analyst and the positions I held before my disability did not allow for web design or development. Plus I have not the funds to get the tools needed that this site requires. I so wanted to get this done as my husband is a critically ill cardiac patient and his time is limited. I fear my lack of resources and skills won't get this done. As well there is this same domain, plus a .org, but I have not used it because we have not sent in the paperwork for the non-profit. The hope was to solicit help with the animals we have left. I gave up that hope when I realized people in this community don't want to help us at all. When we were in such dire need before my case was settled, people would donate hay and feed - supposedly out of the goodness of their hearts. But I have found out from several sources that all that came with judgemental strings. We have let go of many animals, but the ones left were those no one stepped up to give homes to. People were quick to dump off those they did not want on us, but come time we needed help to find homes for some, there was no one to help. Worse, we now hear people say that 'if they didn't have animals, they might have something!' that was heartbreaking to both of us. they do not know what we have been through my husband's heart attack that nearly killed him and then my disability that cost me my career. it seems the only way to supplement our small limited income is by a website, but i have no idea where to begin and cannot afford these scam outfits that promise income and only take your money. we are so disheartened by what some in this community have said about us (I have worked since I was 12, played by the rules, and my husband has given the shirt off his back). But this hurt is so great, I am taking down this web site. It features our home, his writings and our animals. There was another I wanted to start: thyhealingheart.com (and .org), but so far it is just a domain name and nothing else. I am out of ideas. I certainly cannot have a site asking for donations. So I need something else to generate income and an income that is NOT dependent on the people around this area. We need help. I have the computer skills and equipment, but that is all. I have not checked out Site Build it, but I am sure with my experience I can soon put it to good use. But trying this website on our own has been So depressing and I am one of those left without insurance, so I deal with my illness as I can until Medicare kicks in next March. This is TMI, I know and I do not even know if this is what you wanted as a description. But here it is.
- 1 week ago
- Views: 10
-
Happy Place Farm sign by the k
- From: vsg
-
Description:
I had started a webpage to showcase the work we had done before both of us became disabled (rescue farm animals). That site is http://thepeasantscottage.com it also is to showcase my husband's many writings and it is a work in progress. But my skills at development are nil at best. I was a programmer analyst and the positions I held before my disability did not allow for web design or development. Plus I have not the funds to get the tools needed that this site requires. I so wanted to get this done as my husband is a critically ill cardiac patient and his time is limited. I fear my lack of resources and skills won't get this done. As well there is this same domain, plus a .org, but I have not used it because we have not sent in the paperwork for the non-profit. The hope was to solicit help with the animals we have left. I gave up that hope when I realized people in this community don't want to help us at all. When we were in such dire need before my case was settled, people would donate hay and feed - supposedly out of the goodness of their hearts. But I have found out from several sources that all that came with judgemental strings. We have let go of many animals, but the ones left were those no one stepped up to give homes to. People were quick to dump off those they did not want on us, but come time we needed help to find homes for some, there was no one to help. Worse, we now hear people say that 'if they didn't have animals, they might have something!' that was heartbreaking to both of us. they do not know what we have been through my husband's heart attack that nearly killed him and then my disability that cost me my career. it seems the only way to supplement our small limited income is by a website, but i have no idea where to begin and cannot afford these scam outfits that promise income and only take your money. we are so disheartened by what some in this community have said about us (I have worked since I was 12, played by the rules, and my husband has given the shirt off his back). But this hurt is so great, I am taking down this web site. It features our home, his writings and our animals. There was another I wanted to start: thyhealingheart.com (and .org), but so far it is just a domain name and nothing else. I am out of ideas. I certainly cannot have a site asking for donations. So I need something else to generate income and an income that is NOT dependent on the people around this area. We need help. I have the computer skills and equipment, but that is all. I have not checked out Site Build it, but I am sure with my experience I can soon put it to good use. But trying this website on our own has been So depressing and I am one of those left without insurance, so I deal with my illness as I can until Medicare kicks in next March. This is TMI, I know and I do not even know if this is what you wanted as a description. But here it is.
- 1 week ago
- Views: 5
-
Thank you note to Phil
- From: vsg
-
Description:
I had started a webpage to showcase the work we had done before both of us became disabled (rescue farm animals). That site is http://thepeasantscottage.com it also is to showcase my husband's many writings and it is a work in progress. But my skills at development are nil at best. I was a programmer analyst and the positions I held before my disability did not allow for web design or development. Plus I have not the funds to get the tools needed that this site requires. I so wanted to get this done as my husband is a critically ill cardiac patient and his time is limited. I fear my lack of resources and skills won't get this done. As well there is this same domain, plus a .org, but I have not used it because we have not sent in the paperwork for the non-profit. The hope was to solicit help with the animals we have left. I gave up that hope when I realized people in this community don't want to help us at all. When we were in such dire need before my case was settled, people would donate hay and feed - supposedly out of the goodness of their hearts. But I have found out from several sources that all that came with judgemental strings. We have let go of many animals, but the ones left were those no one stepped up to give homes to. People were quick to dump off those they did not want on us, but come time we needed help to find homes for some, there was no one to help. Worse, we now hear people say that 'if they didn't have animals, they might have something!' that was heartbreaking to both of us. they do not know what we have been through my husband's heart attack that nearly killed him and then my disability that cost me my career. it seems the only way to supplement our small limited income is by a website, but i have no idea where to begin and cannot afford these scam outfits that promise income and only take your money. we are so disheartened by what some in this community have said about us (I have worked since I was 12, played by the rules, and my husband has given the shirt off his back). But this hurt is so great, I am taking down this web site. It features our home, his writings and our animals. There was another I wanted to start: thyhealingheart.com (and .org), but so far it is just a domain name and nothing else. I am out of ideas. I certainly cannot have a site asking for donations. So I need something else to generate income and an income that is NOT dependent on the people around this area. We need help. I have the computer skills and equipment, but that is all. I have not checked out Site Build it, but I am sure with my experience I can soon put it to good use. But trying this website on our own has been So depressing and I am one of those left without insurance, so I deal with my illness as I can until Medicare kicks in next March. This is TMI, I know and I do not even know if this is what you wanted as a description. But here it is.
- 1 week ago
- Views: 4
- Not yet rated
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systemic
- Views: 10
- Since: 2 weeks ago
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loriloveday
- Views: 25
- Since: 3 weeks ago
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love
- Views: 5
- Since: 1 month ago
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jcrrosie2008
- Views: 4
- Since: 1 month ago
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faifylou
- Views: 3
- Since: 1 month ago
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ebird21307
- Views: 8
- Since: 1 month ago
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NOBODY IN LAS VEGAS WANTS TO I
- From: inside222
-
Description:
After reading about the terrible state of affairs happening in Las Vegas with their Worker's Comp system and reading Workcomp1 (Ron Markowicz's) blog and the tragic circumstances he has been put through by the system, I felt I needed to blog once again about his story and the LACK of effort on the part of investigative journalists not only in Las Vegas, but also in the National Media. I just can't understand why Ron's story has NOT been reported on by any journalist, as this is certainly NEWSWORTHY and would more than likely win a pulitzer prize for the journalist that writes/reports the piece. After reading the story written by George Knapp, which references a lot of the problems Ron has faced in the worker's comp system in Nevada, I am hopeful that Mr. Knapp will report on Ron's case specifically as the groundwork has already been laid and Ron's story will force the Nevada worker's comp system to be overhauled and changed for the better.
And as in George Knapp's article which you can view at the end of this blog:
I live in California and have been through the Worker's Comp system here and found it to be pretty well managed. Of course, I did not go through any of the problems Mr. Markowicz has faced, but at least I received medical treatments, was compensated in a timely manner, was able to use the Independent Medical Review (to have a State certified Doctor) review my case and see if he found the same disability rating as my treating specialist (as the Insurance Company was trying to settle the claim for a very small amount & I did not agree with that rating).
As with many people here on The Disability Digest, these injustices CANNOT be allowed to continue and the community has to stand up and make a stand against the companies, attorneys, insurance companies, medical practitioners that mis-treat them. You would hope there would be some legal remedy, but in Ron's case it seems that his attorney (that he recently fired was asleep at the wheel)--malpractice, the one surgeon that removed the stimulator device from his back and left metal in his back--(malpractice)...There has been ONE shining light in Ron's story..His first Doctor who has been trying to help Ron get the treatment he needs, yet this Doctor has not been paid by the Worker's Comp system. Sometimes it can take 1 year or more for these Doctors to get paid by this system. What a travesty of justice NV has. Ron's Doctor's name is Dr. Daniel Fabito and should be highly commended and applauded for his efforts and his highly ethical treatment of Ron's case. This is a medical practitioner that more should try to be like as he has the care and well being of his patient in mind and he goes to great lengths to fight the good fight on the patient's behalf. I would recommend that anybody that gets injured on the job would go to this Doctor because he truly cares about his patients. Keep this Doctor in mind if you ever get injured while working in Las Vegas. Here's the Doctor's info:
Comprehensive & Interventional Pain Management
Daniel Fabito MD
AMA Board Certified
www.DrFabito.comContact: Info@DrFabito.com
George Knapp's story from workcomp1 website:
______________________________________________________________________________________________________
INJURED WORKERS @ A DISADVANTAGE
Workers' Compensation: Injured Workers at Disadvantage
Nevada's long-troubled workers' compensation system was drastically revised five years ago in hopes of streamlining the process of caring for injured workers. But if you are injured in the workplace now, the private companies that have taken control of the program could leave you without medical care, without compensation, and without a job.
John Taylor, with the Association of Injured Workers, said, "They stretch it out as long as they can. Taylor speaks from experience when he says the Nevada workers' compensation system delays the claims filed by injured workers. During the years he worked at the Nevada Test Site, Taylor lost an eye, demolished his hearing, and wrecked his back. He's spent the past 13 years fighting the system, which he says was bad when the state ran it and went downhill from there.
John Taylor said, "Other states, they've privatized. There you can still sue. Nevada is the worst."
Along with privatizing workers comp, Nevada also exempted insurance companies from legal damages if the companies ignore the law. The worst that could happen to them is they might have to pay out what they should have paid out in the beginning. So, why not deny and delay?
Dean Hardy, an attorney for injured workers, said, "So there is no incentive to say yes to compensation, or yes to medical care, or yes to a change of doctors. It gives blanket immunity to a third party administrator or insurer for violating the statues they're supposed to be upholding"
One of Dean Hardy's clients is a firefighter who suffered on the job injuries while fighting the early 80s blazes at the MGM and the Hilton, and other injuries as well. The county doesn't want to pay for his medical care so the fireman has had to go to court to try and get his medical bills covered. At every step, the deck seems stacked against the injured worker.
A 2005 legislative audit found that many workers aren't informed of their rights when injured. If they don't file a claim within seven days, it's too bad and too late. The state's Division of Industrial Relations is supposed to oversee the private insurers, but the audit found in more than half of the cases, the D.I.R. failed to force insurers to meet the statutory deadlines in handling claims and were lax in fining employers who had it coming.
Aubrey Goldberg, an attorney for injured workers, says the state seems to have little appetite for sanctioning companies that break the rules. "I find it's hard to get them to do those things most of the time. Is it much zeal? My personal view is no, there isn't."
Worst of all for the injured worker, Goldberg says, is the move to managed care programs. A worker injured on the job will be sent to a doctor or clinic that essentially works for the insurance company. "Their primary loyalty is to the people who are paying them and not to the injured worker," Goldberg added.
Dean Hardy says doctors have been known to reverse findings favoring the injured worker after being contacted privately by the insurers. "The doctors recognize what keeps them on the panel -- opinions that do not favor the injured worker. Oftentimes those opinions aren't medically supportable, and that's really tragic. They will taint medical opinion and try to tailor it for the employer or insurer... I do see it happen."
Those doctors who do the right thing get fired, Hardy says. Workers who try to appeal bad rulings in hearings often find themselves up against lawyers or other experts hired by the other side.
Kelly Oakley, who demolished his back working at McCarran Airport, was terminated for medical reasons. A hearing officer was sympathetic but ruled for the other side. Oakley said, "Workers' comp? It's maybe one step above welfare, if that. They treat you like you're on welfare."
Officials at the Nevada Division of Industrial Relations, which is supposed to oversee the privatized workers' compensation program, declined repeated requests by the I-Team for on camera interviews. However, they told us off-camera that injured workers are often at a disadvantage, especially if they have to fight for their claims without legal representation.
Eyewitness News plans to keep an eye on the workers' compensation story in the months ahead.
Email investigative reporter George Knapp at gknapp@klastv.com
Worker’s Comp System Severly Abuses Disabled Man
An earlier post from this blog annotates the woeful and absolute outrageous treatment being heaped upon one of our members, Ron Markowicz, by the Worker’s Comp System, including his own attorney, whose firm appeared to be in collusion with the Insurance Carriers by ceasing all pertinent services to his case apparently driven by fear of potential corporate harm through future litigation. No medical help for months. No answers from the attorney—-only mis-statements. No help anywhere.
As a former vocational counselor, I have seen this type behavior before—and it generally stems from a surgical mistake, then when an injured worker continues to complain, the first thought emanating from the Carriers, attorneys, et. al is:
‘Stop the services! Send out false information to the worker! Make outrageous claims that the worker is not complying with the various service providers! Cover your ass!’
And ad naeuseum….the spin merchants, coupled with loss prevention departments of these huge insurance conglomerates begin to work their magic—–here’s what they do to a lot of people who might have a legitimate complaint: they simply stop sending their monthly check. No explanation. Can you imagine the panic?
As it is, you are lucky if you receive two thirds of your normal salary while on the Comp System—and now, suddenly, you have no money to pay for anything! Most of the times, they will re-start the financial benefits, but not before causing the injured person to suffer further through stress by making them late for credit card or rent payments. Add to it a nightmarish quality– I have personally heard insurance company rehab co-ordinators, while at industry ‘functions’, exclaim great humor at how many people they ‘put the screws to’ that week.
Folks, this stuff is industry wide, and it sickens me to watch it continue. This should be considered health care reform, too, and the political writers seem to simply ignore the horrendous level of abuse perpetrated by the ‘business’ side of this system, while the person who is already hurt and suffering, suffers further at the hands of those who should be honestly assisting them to achieve their best level of gainful re-entry to the work world. (or determine that will never be possible)
It should be obvious to all that creating an adversarial system, instead of a truly philanthropic, medically progressive streamlined system, the worst of all possibilities occur, where delays are normal, and communication among the providers is poor, at best. Built for failure.
And, as all our members know, the Social Security Disability system certainly seems bad enough— difficult and hurtful at many turns.
At this writing, there over a million cases which are officially ‘backlogged’ in the Social Security Disability system. Unless you take the free course offered here at the Disability Digest, you can easily wait three full years before receiving benefits. (and that’s if you’re not backlogged) Three years! No excuse can be offered which might even approach credibility.
But the Worker’s Comp System—-if anything can be more problematic than Social Security Disability, it’s this damnable system in which Ron Markowicz continues to suffer. But, some progress had been made. There may be a ray of sunshine.
While I cannot comment on case specifics, I can say that some advancement is being made on the medical side, as Ron’s original physician is only now re-activating his services to him, but still faces an uphill battle against a stone-walling industry.
Also, due to many different and serious inquires to the Nevada Governor’s Office, there has been progress toward publicizing Ron’s case fully, exposing it for the utter disgrace it remains. As it may involve the National media, his case could be re-opened, and the proper medical procedures enacted post haste. These major corporations do not appreciate black marks against them, as stockholders are already nervous these days.
So, with enough pressure, Ron would immediately receive the attention he needs, and in the proper order, which is vital in his case.
He is truly disabled, suffering the results of several breaks in his back from a serious fall while at work, then surgical mis-feasance resulting in pieces of metal floating in his back, now invading the surrounding soft tissue, creating intractable pain.
The link to the initial information in this case is a fairly long read, including my post describing the Worker’s Comp System, and the specific details of his case—then, a page of a well kept medical file which further elucidates Ron’s situation. Again, if any readers have a golden rolodex, please forward this appropriately.
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/blog/235/missing-in-action-justice-for-disabled-injured-worker/
We continue to press our efforts towards resolving this unsettling dilemma, as justice should have it. The overarching reality is: Ron’s case could be your own. He did not violate any ‘rules’ and was always forthcoming with his medical providers and insurance carrier. That was pre-surgery.
Today is a different story.
Best to all involved,
Advocate
john at thedisabilitydigest.com
PLEASE READ MY OTHER 2 BLOGS ON THE DIGEST AS WELL. PLEASE VOTE FOR THE WORKERS COMP. INJURED WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS TO BE PASSED. CA AS WELL AS MANY OTHER STATES ARE TRYING TO PASS THIS BILL. OF COURSE NV WE ARE NO WHERE NEAR CLOSE TO BEING HEARD OF ANY RIGHTS WHAT SO EVER.
ONCE AGAIN I THANK EVERYONE ON THE DIGEST FOR THEIR SUPPORT AND WITH YOUR COMMENTS AS WELL AS YOUR RATINGS IT HELPS FIGHT THE FIGHT.
WORKCOMP1
Nevada Worker Compensation System Flaws Detailed BY NV GOVERNMENT
WORKERS COMP INJURED WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS
WORKCOMP1
Keep up the good fight people and please rate this blog. Thanks and take care!!!
inside222
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- 1 month ago
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breezinbye
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A Day in the Life with Fibromy
- From: GramaLinda
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Description:
When you wake in the morning, every joint in your body aches and feels stiff, like arthritis. Swelling is more than mildly evident. You feel like you haven't slept yet. Your legs don't always work right and the chances of tripping over your own feet are tremendous. You try to push through the pain and get on with your day. You fight the depression and make yourself move. Your drive to work can be a very interesting one, since your extremities don't want to cooperate with your brain. You get out of your car very gingerly, so as not to fall on your face in the parking lot.
The stress of 'pushing through the pain' usually tears your nerves up, which makes your Irritable Bowel Syndrome
kick in and you walk as quickly as you are able, to the nearest bathroom where your stomach explodes from the pressure.You make it to your desk, start to work, and your legs start jumping uncontrollably from the Restless Legs Syndrome. During the work day, you get up several times to keep from getting to stiff to move, but each time you do, you hold on to something to keep from falling. You work harder on staying awake than you do on your work. The fatigue is the most typical of all the symptoms. In the workplace it is easily misinterpreted as being slow, uninterested, disengaged, bored, unorganized, etc.
it home again, and even though you want sleep, you make dinner for your family. Next you push through the pain and clean the kitchen. Your joints are very swollen by now, and they hurt. From your hips up, you're exhausted and want nothing more than sleep. You finally lay down to rest, and your legs decide it's time to run track, and they don't even care that your upper body won't cooperate. The frustration upsets your stomach.
If putting all of this in writing helps just one person better understand the illness, then I'm glad I can still type. If you know someone with this debilitating disease, or if you have it, go the Mayo Clinic's website and learn all you can. Knowing someone understands how you feel really helps to ease the emotional side of this illness. For this article, you can sign me 'pushing through it, again today'... Thanks for listening.I am currently taking nine different medications every day to treat the symptoms. I used to groom dogs for a living and I love to dance and I can't do either anymore. I used to be an avid bowler, those days are gone. I love playing pool too. Unfortunately, the force it takes to break, feels like it breaks my elbow. I'm still pushing through that pain of playing pool; it's my only social activity now. I don't know how long I'll be able to continue. I love to write but the action it takes to write hurts my fingers, wrists and elbows. Typing is better, but it makes your fingers, wrists, elbows, and shoulders hurt. - Blog post
- 2 months ago
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GramaLinda
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