From the WC company.

They approved surgery (ACDF C5/6) last year, and I've now been declared permanent and stationary.

The QME says perm partial disability of 25%.

The WC company wrote out a check for me of 16% of my salary (2001 rates, when injury occurred) from my return date to work (Feb 4, 2009) to Dec. 24, 2009.

If I deposit this, does this mean I'm accepting this as payment in full? I know my attorney has declared we're ready to proceed to court, and I'm afraid this is a slimy way of torpedoing my case in court.

However, I have some vague recollection of exploring this in 2001 when I got a check then, and being told it was OK to deposit, as payments at the minimum amount are not legally binding....

Their letter says that my "permanent disability benefits are ending because a reasonable estimate has been advanced."

Reasonable estimate of WHAT?

If I am PERMANENTLY and partially disabled at 25%, does this mean they pay me a partial paycheck every month until I retire? I'm 44...

Sandi, who has another call in to the attorney....