[olecyn]

Give me the strength for this long awaited (12 yrs) workers comp case for Monday 8am. Step 1 of many ahead.

When was the last I was up, not in pain without hours of PT and clear minded for the show time of our life at 8am?

[AintSoBad]

I understand. It doesn't matter if they see you 'not at your best', if you show them that, you're less 'believable'.
Have faith.
You'll do well!

Pete

[catra121]

Best of luck to you with this situation. I had my one and only WC trial (so far anyway) last August. Just remember that it's not about looking bad or good. I had on my pain patches and ankle brace and was dressed wearing a skirt. The judge did ask to see the brace and the patches which I thought was odd.

The best thing I can recommend for a work comp case is to not worry about how you look or what sort of shape you are in. Remember...a work comp case is not about blame or any of the emotional stuff that you go through at WORK (if you have been able to work in any capacity). Just tell the truth and answers the questions they ask you. Work lawyers may approach it like a game to trick you into saying something or bait you into getting emotional about work stuff. But you need to try to keep as clear a head as possible in the pain.

I know they asked me a question that was along the lines of this, "How long at work before you start to experience the pain?" My answer, "I don't remember what it is like to NOT be in pain...that hasn't happened since I got hurt. I am ALWAYS in pain." The work lawyer didn't appear to like that answer but it was the truth. They tried to bait me by asking if work ever didn't comply with the restrictions. Honestly...I think they did but they say they didn't because it was a matter of "interpertation." So my answer was, "There were several occassions where work required clarification of the restrictions and then things were followed accordingly." Truth is they were jerks...but that doesn't matter in a work comp case. So don't let them bait you or rile you up. Stick with the truth and try to stay calm. And who cares how you look and feel...just do your best.

They even had my boss's boss at my case who gave me dirty looks through the entire thing. Just answer honestly, know you're right, and it will all be okay. Work comp stinks...and I am sorry for what you will have to go through...but my hopes and thoughts are with you that this will be over soon and you won't need to go through it again...ever. Good luck!

[Colleen4300]

I am new to this website, so you probably haven't seen anything from me. My heart totally goes out to you, and I wish you strength, clarity, persistance, fortitude, and a "good day" to make the whole process a little easier! Best of luck to you, and know that others have you in their thoughts and prayers. God bess!

[Lisa in Ohio]

Cyndy, You will be fine. If you have a lawyer, he will take care of you, if not, don't be afraid to stand up for yourself. I have been to many of these. On another board on this forum there is someone who is very experienced with wc. I believe that she is on the wc forum. Good Luck, Lisa

[RNcrps2]

Cyndy, Did you say 12years? OMG. I have been 3 years and just want them out of my life because stress is so bad for our RSD. I have been to one court hearing and its true just be yourself. My judge was nice and I think they can tell when you are sincere. I just remember everyone telling me to take your time and think about what they are asking before answering and dont give them more than what they ask. ( I know for me it was hard not going off on a tangent). I will pray that things go your way. Let us know how you do. momof4

[kathy d]

Hi Cyndy,
Best of luck to you with WC. They are a mess. I can't believe they have as much power as they do. We should all revolt against them because they treat people like trash. Unfortunately, there are many people "working the system" and the people like us that are hurt have to suffer. One thing I did learn that if you settle for any money make sure you get it in monthly payments for your life and not one lump settlement because SSD considers that "income" and you will be looking at not getting alot of SSD for a long period of time. Attorneys want to settle and get paid asap so watch out. I was not informed of the difference and my attorney said he had no idea about it. I settled and should have gotten monthly payments instead of lump sum. Live and learn. Best of luck and be yourself in court. Judges can see liars a mile away. Be honest and tell the truth and God will be on your side.
Take care,
kathy d
P.S. I still get a laugh out of the Three Stooges too!!!