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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.
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
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 GOVERNMENT
WORKERS COMP INJURED WORKERS BILL OF RIGHTS
WORKCOMP1
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.com
Contact: Info@DrFabito.com
PLEASE EVERYONE RATE THE BLOG, AND SUPPORT WORKCOMP1
Hello my name is Dora Jackson and I am new to this so please bear with me. To make a long story short I have a disability and unable to do what I enjoyed doing for fifteen years, I love working with the public, I love to talk to them and offer my assistance in any way I could. I was diagnosis in 2005 with copd and was told that I would die in ten years, recover from the shock I prayed a lot and I was determine not to let this get me down. I exercise everyday and walked every morning trying to get my life back to something normal, but in the mean time I have looked in every corner to try and find something to do with my computer that's going to supplement my income, everybody I talk to wanted money that I didn't have, so I knew in my heart where there is a will there is a way. I am living proof of that because I am still here, broke but living just the same. My parents always told nobody want's you when you are down and out (True statement) I must tell you from my heart I have never been this broke before I lost a lot my car, my relationship but that's okay all of this has restored my faith in god so here I go day and night surfing the net. I came upon disability digest not knowing what it was are how I got there mind you I learned the computer on my own by pushing buttons and if it workd okay if not don't do that again, but okay never the less here I am desperate to find something or someone to tell me how to go about making money because I am sinking fast I have no car, no money, and no job trying to stay a float and can't swim. So far days I listen to videos and read everything known to man, and then they tell me to do some research on a sight call sight build it . I spent half the night reading and listening to different stories, I am not really familiar with then but I know they can help me build a web sight that's going to help me reach millions of pople who need help.There are a lot of people out there with a disability that need help and don't know where to find it I want to be that mouth piece. I have waited so long for this opportunity it will allow work at home and help myslef and other's. There are a lot of scams you have to be really careful, I think I found them all where you send money and they send you a book are a cd, didn't have the money for that but I tried a few of them and it was to good to be true. I need money to take care of myself but my goal is to help other's in my situation. I would like to thank Brian for returning my email with and offer to help me help myself, I didn't get very much of that, I would like to thank Eddy for his web sight for some great information (HOW TO AVOID SCAMS). The lord left me here for a reason and I plan to do everything I can to help put a smile on someone's face. This is my story I will never give up until I have my own business. I don't want people to have to search the internet day and night . I want a web sight that allows people to find what they need and not have to listen to a long drawn out presentation before you find out that they can't help you. This has been a long road to walk for me and I am ever so greatful I wouldn't change a thing. This is what I am surpose to do . (I AM A PEOPLE PERSON)
I am a 41 year old legally blind , diabetic father of two young and two adult children. I have been legally blind and received Social Security Disability since 1995. I have been living paycheck to paycheck since then. We have somehow managed every month to pull through. I am tired but I REFUSE to give up for the love of my family. I have much computer skills and were all self taught. I love computers and will continue using them til the day I die. Here’s My Story: One night I dreamt that my family and I were walking on the beach and in the distance, my youngest daughter finds a magic lamp (this lamp I call, The Disability Digest) My youngest son tells me to rub the lamp and make 3 wishes. The skeptical person that I am, I did it anyway. Low and behold, A Genie pops out of the lamp (the Genie is Brian Therrien). He grants me 3 wishes. I first wish for $$$$ MONEY. The Genie tells me he can grant me this wish but I have to work for the money. So he directed me to use my computer skills to become an affiliate for The Disability Digest. I listened to his training videos and joined in his webinars and became an affiliate. I sent emails to friends and family and the next day, I started receiving commissions. I started to think of my second wish. My next wish was to be able to create a steady income and still spend time with my family. The Genie granted me my wish but in order to achieve my wish I had to check my email. I did this and the first email I opened was a very promising contest from The Disability Digest. The winner of the contest would receive a one year membership to SBI. I researched the SBI company and found that it would be perfect for me to create and start my own internet business. With the help of SBI’s membership and all the easy to follow tools, I had everything I need to have a very successful e-business. So I entered the contest and thought about my final wish. My third and final wish is to be a winner of the contest so I can start showing my family how to be successful in anything they choose to do in their lives if they put their minds and abilities to it. The Genie’s voicemail came on and said he would be out of town until December 2nd. He also stated that he would possibly announce me as one of the four winners of the contest. So, Do You believe in Genies and Magic Lamps? I DO!!! Winning this contest WILL get me back on my feet to create a steady income supplement. I do have high hopes and dreams to make enough money for my family to live comfortably so that I do not have to be on disability for the rest of my life. All I need is to be a winner of this contest because living check to check does not get my foot in the door to all our hopes and dreams. Someone once told me……. “YOU ARE THE LIGHT OF THE UNIVERSE, LET IT SHINE!!!”