Can my employer make me go back to work
 

I need some help. I have been out of work since March. I was diagnosed with RSD and then told I don't have it. I was told to go back to work MMI full duty by two workers comp doctors. My personal GP says she doesn't think I can do and says no. She says I shouldn't drive that far to begin with. I sent in all the doctors notes I have and they still told me I have to come back to work tomorrow. They told me that my doctors note is no good. Can they do that and make me go back to work. I really don't think I can do it. I still have a lot of pain. I drive a bus that carries college kids around campus this is not safe for them or me.

Hi Phaedra
 

I am sorry you have pain and have employment issues. You drive a bus. I suppose your first concern, should be if the pain Inhibits you from 100% bus driving. If it does, you must not go to work, but tell the employer. Young adults lives could be in danger. Your physician the PCP is the one in charge of you, not the specialists. His note should be enough until your pain issue is resolved. I wish you all the best. Ginnie:grouphug:

Do you have a good work comp atty?
With work comp and complicated conditions/injuries like RSD and others, you almost need to have a very good atty.


Don't just pick one of the the yellow pages, do some searches and ask about who has good results.

Do you need to prove the RSD was from the injury?
If so you really need some big name docs and atty..it is just not well known enough as to how it happens.

Is your PCP listed as your treating physician on the comp paperwork?
If so they should have the power to write restrictions or keep you off work.

At least in my state that's how is was 10 yrs ago..

My doc wrote restrictions/ off work notes and I took or faxed them to my employer.

The IME dr as usual, found no injury and even suggested malingering:rolleyes::mad:.. They are usually on the side of the work comp ins co , because that is who pays them..
Luckily my employer had all my very good reviews so they knew that was not true at all. I got injured by working too hard and too fast..stupid me..

I would yhink if you need to take narvotics to control your pain, they would not let you drive. However, i dont know how your pain is controlled. Maybe they can findyou a different job within the company. I personally have filled out a request forreasonable accomdation due to mntal issues such as severe anxietyyl and add. The work i do requires extreme quiet and no distractions for "normal" people that do this job. I lost my office and was put in the center of action of our very busy office. I was yelled at for talkng to myself, given headphones and told to listen to music and work. Just stop talking to people and yourself. That is when i calmly walked out and went to HR. They toldme to go to my shrink and get taken out for a while. Now im out for just having a neuro spinal stim put in which has so far been the most painful recovery i have we very experienced. My job can be done from home but my boss wont let me. Right now i am a mess. Shrink says i am 100% disabled mentally, and physicall a wreck. I just want to work!! I have kids in college and cant afford not to work. Sorry, i think i just turned this into being about me.

Hi Meg
 

Wish life were easier for you. It is very hard when you want to work and can't. I hear you. Ginnie

thats a tough one to fight especially when you have 2 wc people talking against you.and you have to also factor in your age,and what else your employer can find for you to do,can you be retrain for something else,etc,etc,blah,blah:(:(