[BrokenHand]

Hi all!

I am new to the forum, but not new to my pain. I broke my hand at work in Jan 2014. I broke two of the metacarpals in my dominate hand as I was drilling through a metal sign at my handyman job. At first everything was working out, my boss quickly got me directions to the nearest hospital (I travel for my job) they x-rayed my hand and determined that I wasn't lying when I said I broke it. I was given pain medication and given an appointment with a orthopedic surgeon. We discussed my options and surgery to install a plate on one of the bones was the only way we could get function back in my hand.

I had the surgery and woke up in the most pain I have ever felt. They checked me for all the reasons they could think of why I would be in so much pain. Finally they knocked me out again and doped me up and sent me home. Over the next six months I complained of pain, I requested to be taken off of the Loritabs as I didn't want them to think that I was just pill searching. I tried all the other stuff they gave me and of course, nothing worked.

I obtained a workers compensation lawyer because I knew something was wrong and nothing was being done. I visited two other surgeons before one of them said RDS. Between visits I researched everything I could about this and I fit the criteria. I went through 2 nerve studies (or torture sessions as I called them) and finally was diagnosed by a neurologist a few months ago.

During this time I have been unable to work, since I cannot make a fist due to complications from the surgery (either a bound tendon or scar tissue). The hand specialist I see now (and approved by the workers comp insurance company) refuses to open my hand up to fix the movement issues because of the CRPS diagnosis.

This brings me to today, I am two years out from my injury. I cannot use my dominant hand. I cannot work in the field I was working in. I cannot work in the field that I graduated from college (Computer and Network Engineering, actually building servers and running wires). I am awaiting my first appointment with a pain management specialist and the insurance company wants to settle my claim. I have lost 5 teeth, I don't sleep, I'm almost to the point of depression (right now it's just the realization of what is happening to me).

My lawyer has researched CRPS and she knows that this can affect me for the rest of my life. She knows that it can spread to other body parts and she knows that I am only in my mid 30s with two small kids. Luckily I was paid very well at my job and the workers comp weekly benefits is enough to keep us alive (after we cut out almost everything from our budget)

The problem I am having with even toying with the idea of settling my claim is the 'what ifs'. I'm sure we have all been through those questions on the nights we can't sleep. I'm not looking to get rich from this, but I don't want my family to suffer because I cannot get back out there and pull OT to get them the things they want. I know in my demand from the insurance company I will need compensation for lost wages from the time of injury until the 400 weeks runs out. I will be requesting compensation for trade/vocational school to be retrained to a job that is not so 'hands on'. I will also be requesting compensation for pain management and the cost of another hand surgery (if I am able to get put into remission).


Has anyone had to deal with workers comp and their diagnosis of CRPS?

What kind of fight can I expect when I bring up my 'what if' scenarios?

How long should I request to visit the pain management doctor?

I know this is a lot to take in, but I've been holding a lot in lately and trying to get everything in order.

[catra121]

I've had to deal with work comp on a work accident that cause my RSD. Work comp is different in every state...so that could have a big impact on what you could possibly get from them.

First...I just want to say that you shouldn't even think about settling until treatment is stabilized...which is tricky with RSD as that can change on a die at any time. One possibility to address this is a medical set aside...but that has downsides too...but even then not something to even talk about until your condition is pretty well controlled.

The compensation regarding not being able to return to the same or similar field of work...that I don't have experience with as I was able to eventually return to work in full duty capacity. However...at least where I am from...they should still pay you the difference between any salary you do make once you get a job (that they should pay for training for). If you settle...take this into account because where I am from once you settle you are giving up this benefit unless it is specifically stated as part of the settlement.

Definitely go over all of this and all of your what ifs with your lawyer. They will be familiar with the laws in your state and what realistic expectations are in terms of settlement or if it would be worthwhile to take the case to the work comp commission where you will maintain certain benefits through work comp that you would give up with a settlement (such as continued medical coverage for the condition, ttd pay, etc). You need to be prepared to hear stuff you don't want to hear...FAIR is not something that comes into play with these cases usually.

Best of luck to you.

[-Spike-]

Originally Posted by BrokenHand

Hi all!

I am new to the forum, but not new to my pain. I broke my hand at work in Jan 2014. I broke two of the metacarpals in my dominate hand as I was drilling through a metal sign at my handyman job. At first everything was working out, my boss quickly got me directions to the nearest hospital (I travel for my job) they x-rayed my hand and determined that I wasn't lying when I said I broke it. I was given pain medication and given an appointment with a orthopedic surgeon. We discussed my options and surgery to install a plate on one of the bones was the only way we could get function back in my hand.

I had the surgery and woke up in the most pain I have ever felt. They checked me for all the reasons they could think of why I would be in so much pain. Finally they knocked me out again and doped me up and sent me home. Over the next six months I complained of pain, I requested to be taken off of the Loritabs as I didn't want them to think that I was just pill searching. I tried all the other stuff they gave me and of course, nothing worked.

I obtained a workers compensation lawyer because I knew something was wrong and nothing was being done. I visited two other surgeons before one of them said RDS. Between visits I researched everything I could about this and I fit the criteria. I went through 2 nerve studies (or torture sessions as I called them) and finally was diagnosed by a neurologist a few months ago.

During this time I have been unable to work, since I cannot make a fist due to complications from the surgery (either a bound tendon or scar tissue). The hand specialist I see now (and approved by the workers comp insurance company) refuses to open my hand up to fix the movement issues because of the CRPS diagnosis.

This brings me to today, I am two years out from my injury. I cannot use my dominant hand. I cannot work in the field I was working in. I cannot work in the field that I graduated from college (Computer and Network Engineering, actually building servers and running wires). I am awaiting my first appointment with a pain management specialist and the insurance company wants to settle my claim. I have lost 5 teeth, I don't sleep, I'm almost to the point of depression (right now it's just the realization of what is happening to me).

My lawyer has researched CRPS and she knows that this can affect me for the rest of my life. She knows that it can spread to other body parts and she knows that I am only in my mid 30s with two small kids. Luckily I was paid very well at my job and the workers comp weekly benefits is enough to keep us alive (after we cut out almost everything from our budget)

The problem I am having with even toying with the idea of settling my claim is the 'what ifs'. I'm sure we have all been through those questions on the nights we can't sleep. I'm not looking to get rich from this, but I don't want my family to suffer because I cannot get back out there and pull OT to get them the things they want. I know in my demand from the insurance company I will need compensation for lost wages from the time of injury until the 400 weeks runs out. I will be requesting compensation for trade/vocational school to be retrained to a job that is not so 'hands on'. I will also be requesting compensation for pain management and the cost of another hand surgery (if I am able to get put into remission).


Has anyone had to deal with workers comp and their diagnosis of CRPS?

What kind of fight can I expect when I bring up my 'what if' scenarios?

How long should I request to visit the pain management doctor?

I know this is a lot to take in, but I've been holding a lot in lately and trying to get everything in order.

I truly do hope that you get a nice settlement out of this for the sake of your family and especially for your children. Those sleepless nights thinking about your family must so difficult. I wish you all the best!

[Littlepaw]

Hello and Welcome,

I am sorry you had to come join us. It sounds like you have really been through the wringer and have a lot going on right now. The WC issues must certainly be adding to your stress. You will find support and understanding here. There are a few members who have dealt with WC who will hopefully see this and respond. Thanks to Catra on the advice, this is an area I know nothing of.

Depression and anxiety are not uncommon with chronic pain and illness. There is a lot to process and it can feel overwhelming. Don't keep that stuff in. Get help if you need it. Some therapists specialize in pain and can actually help improve your coping skills for dealing with it and the losses it can bring.

I am glad you are open to having another procedure if it is indicated. Surgeons often shy away from CRPS patients and certainly you shouldn't be in flare if having anything done. But if they are able to address an underlying causitive problem it can help your pain and outcome. There are some studies out on this very issue.

May I ask what your EMG study showed?

You might find this video helpful if you haven't seen it already. It is by a compassionate and highly regarded CRPS specialist, Dr. Pradeep Chopra. He is full of useful tips on treatments and therapies.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3LKhOZ8mAM

Hold on to hope. Many people improve over time and are able to get a good part of their life back. I hope that you are one of them.

Sending thoughts of healing and comfort,

[PurpleFoot721]

Hi and welcome to the forum,

Although I chose not to go through Worker's Compensation, I have dealt with them in the past. I could have gone through Worker's Comp but couldn't get over the idea of suing my dad to reopen a 12 year old claim. I was given advice by a lawyer that you never want to settle if you can avoid it. If you do settle and are able to return to work, any issues that you might have with your hand at a later date will not be covered by your worker's comp and might be a difficult fight with your health insurance company to cover it.

I was lucky with worker's comp originally. I had absolutely no issues with them continuing coverage from day 1 to 3 years after my original accident.

Best of luck to you what ever you do decide.

I would also recommend watching Dr. Chopra's video. It may be long but is very worthwhile to educate yourself on treatments.

[NurseKris]

Unfortunately I am another one dealing with WC. My injury date was July 2013 and it has been a battle. Before you settle here are a few things I have come across during my war with WC but like Catra said laws differ from state to state. Also I was so lucky because my lawyer already knew about CRPS and won several cases involving CRPS.

The first thing I would do is make certain they are accepting responsibility for the CRPS. In my case they argued they were only responsible for the injury nothing else. In December a judge sided with us so now they finally have to cover the CRPS as well ( I was diagnosed in December 2013).

Another thing I have found helpful is save every document, every letter every scrap of paper related to your injury. I have a large plastic tote filled with file folders that are stuffed with paperwork. I also scanned everything in and saved it to a thumb drive because it is easier than lugging the tote everywhere.

Before you settle just remember that CRPS is a life long condition. You may go into remission but there is a risk for it to come back. I sat down with my husband and we estimated costs of treatments and medications and that number alone is more than most insurance companies are will to spend. When we were in negotiations to possible settle we asked for a number we had agreed upon plus full medical for CRPS. The full medical was something that I personally was not willing to budge on, but everyone is different.

My lawyer warned me that they will probably try make your life hell (sorry but this the best word I could think of) because they want you to get fed up and settle. I know that every case is different and mine may be worse than others and I hope yours is easier.

Don't be afraid to ask your lawyer questions because it is very easy to get confused in the wonderful world of WC. I know it can be hard to deal with WC in addition to the pain you are in and it sucks. Luckily there are many great people here that are always willing to offer info and support. I know sometimes it helps just knowing that you are not alone and there are people fighting the same fight.

Sorry to write a novel! Let me know if there is anyway I can help

[BrokenHand]

Originally Posted by Littlepaw

Hello and Welcome,

I am sorry you had to come join us. It sounds like you have really been through the wringer and have a lot going on right now. The WC issues must certainly be adding to your stress. You will find support and understanding here. There are a few members who have dealt with WC who will hopefully see this and respond. Thanks to Catra on the advice, this is an area I know nothing of.

Depression and anxiety are not uncommon with chronic pain and illness. There is a lot to process and it can feel overwhelming. Don't keep that stuff in. Get help if you need it. Some therapists specialize in pain and can actually help improve your coping skills for dealing with it and the losses it can bring.

I am glad you are open to having another procedure if it is indicated. Surgeons often shy away from CRPS patients and certainly you shouldn't be in flare if having anything done. But if they are able to address an underlying causitive problem it can help your pain and outcome. There are some studies out on this very issue.

May I ask what your EMG study showed?

You might find this video helpful if you haven't seen it already. It is by a compassionate and highly regarded CRPS specialist, Dr. Pradeep Chopra. He is full of useful tips on treatments and therapies.

Hold on to hope. Many people improve over time and are able to get a good part of their life back. I hope that you are one of them.

Sending thoughts of healing and comfort,

The EMG showed that my nerves are fine and my muscles are 100% healthy.

[BrokenHand]

Originally Posted by NurseKris

Unfortunately I am another one dealing with WC. My injury date was July 2013 and it has been a battle. Before you settle here are a few things I have come across during my war with WC but like Catra said laws differ from state to state. Also I was so lucky because my lawyer already knew about CRPS and won several cases involving CRPS.

The first thing I would do is make certain they are accepting responsibility for the CRPS. In my case they argued they were only responsible for the injury nothing else. In December a judge sided with us so now they finally have to cover the CRPS as well ( I was diagnosed in December 2013).

Another thing I have found helpful is save every document, every letter every scrap of paper related to your injury. I have a large plastic tote filled with file folders that are stuffed with paperwork. I also scanned everything in and saved it to a thumb drive because it is easier than lugging the tote everywhere.

Before you settle just remember that CRPS is a life long condition. You may go into remission but there is a risk for it to come back. I sat down with my husband and we estimated costs of treatments and medications and that number alone is more than most insurance companies are will to spend. When we were in negotiations to possible settle we asked for a number we had agreed upon plus full medical for CRPS. The full medical was something that I personally was not willing to budge on, but everyone is different.

My lawyer warned me that they will probably try make your life hell (sorry but this the best word I could think of) because they want you to get fed up and settle. I know that every case is different and mine may be worse than others and I hope yours is easier.

Don't be afraid to ask your lawyer questions because it is very easy to get confused in the wonderful world of WC. I know it can be hard to deal with WC in addition to the pain you are in and it sucks. Luckily there are many great people here that are always willing to offer info and support. I know sometimes it helps just knowing that you are not alone and there are people fighting the same fight.

Sorry to write a novel! Let me know if there is anyway I can help

I have already experienced by own personal brand of hell from WC. They have missed payments, slow to respond for new appointments.....7 months to be able to get into the neurologist to get the diagnosis.

So far they have accepted responsibility for payments for the CRPS. My previous work injuries showed that I am not faking it. I have almost cut my pinky off and put a nail through the same finger, both times I was back at work the following Monday.

Like you I have a huge plastic tote with everything in it and a huge electronic file containing everything, including emails.

When I was coming up with numbers I was adding pain management therapy until retirement age. I figure that I would have been covered until I retired from work place injuries until then and it should be covered. My number that I finally came up with is 400K+.

It is not what I would feel comfortable with (like walking away with a smile) but it is a number that we can use to seek pain therapy, another possible surgery, cover the costs of re-education, and lawyers fee. My wife decided to go back to school to become a nurse after I injured myself. She will become the new bread-winner of the family and my income will be for play.

[NurseKris]

I have the same problem with comp not paying my bills, I now have over $20,000 of unpaid bills. I really hope the insurance company will be willing to give you what you need. Good luck to you and your wife I know nursing school can be a challenge but it pays off in the end.

[BrokenHand]

Another new development that has been going on this past week. My left hand (the one I did not have surgery on) is on fire. The skin is cold to the touch and internally it feels like it is made of lava. This does not give me hope... now both of my hands feel like I want them to amputate.