Legal Question in Workers Comp in Illinois

Workman's Comp Back Injury

I injurred my back and Si joint 10/02/2006. I was an ultrasound tech/x-ray tech and I can never do my job again. I had a functional capacity exam done and my final restrictions are lifting only up to 30 lbs, occasional, bending, twisting and etc. My pain management physician says that I would only even be able to do a sit down job answering phones for 2 hours max. I am worried about my attorney. A few months ago he said we were looking in the high 200's for settlement. two weeks ago it went down to 60-80 thous. and just last week he says maybe 20-30 thous. I am unable to have surgery. If I had surgery on my l-spine, it would make my SI joint injury worse. And they won't let me have SI joint surgery. I don't understand why my 5 years of education down the tubes and my 18+ years on the job are worth nothing. Is this normal that I won't even get 1/2 years wages from this. W/C has stopped paying me so many times I can't count. It's going on 3 months again since I have been paid. They shut me off this time because I didn't take a job offer as an x-ray tech working 3-11 shift. I can't do ultrasound so how can I do x-ray my dr even gave me a slip stating so. I just wonder if I should get a new attorney or if this is normal???


Asked on 6/18/08, 3:19 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Matt Belcher Belcher Law Office

Re: Workman's Comp Back Injury

It is very easy to sit back and tell you that your attorney did something improperly.

But the truth is your situation is very complicated and your attorney may be doing everything correctly for you except failing to communicate with you.

It is vital that you have a relationship of trust with your attorney.

The fact that you are seeking guidance in this forum indicates that your trust is weakening.

I would strongly suggest that you call your attorney and arrange an appointment to discuss this matter face-to-face.

If your attorney refuses to meet with you, is not qualified to handle workers compensation complex claims or fails to answer your questions - then you need to find another attorney who is qualified in the specialty of workers compensation.

You will need to bring your entire file for a new attorney to review and digest.

And until that time, any advice any other attorney gives you is merely speculation.

I am very sorry that you are in this situation and I hope that it is quickly rectified.

I know that you are losing patience and becoming afraid of the uncertainty. I truly believe that that uncertainty will be best alleviated by opening up a direct line of communication with your current lawyer.

If that does not work THEN you need a new lawyer.

Matt Belcher

Read more
Answered on 6/18/08, 3:40 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Workers' Compensation Law questions and answers in Illinois