Question Hi Mr. Saylor
I live in Louisiana right outside of Baton rouge. When I was 16 years old I was injured on the job in a MVA. I broke my left arm in four places , my left leg,and also broke my nose.I was in a wheelchair for quite some time. Found out later that I did quite a bit of muscle damage to my left ankle and shoulder and had to have seperate surgeries to repair the both of them as well. I have pins, plates and screws in my upper arm , a tensor wire in my foot, and metal stakes in my shoulder. It is now 3 years,5 surgeries,and multiply therapies later ;and time to make my settlement. What should I expect from the workmans comp for a settlement? I am extremely worried about any of my metal breaking in the future and having to pay it out of pocket. Also since the accident I am almost finished with Nursing school. However my doctor seems to think that I will not be able to perform my job due to the strain it will put on my shoulder. Will they pay for me to go back to school for another profession?
Answer Well first I would like to say how sorry I am that you have went through so much. But to answer your question I can only give you generals. Your state may be different in laws. First let me tell you most states cover medical even after the settlement. You are paid for loss of income not paid off to just go away. Again this is general, Second you can find out If W/C has a retrain plane by calling and asking. If they do your doctor will have to give reasons and you might have to go get a evaluation from another doctor. But you said you were almost out of nursing school so they may have some way for you to do your job. I would ask the school and go from there. Ok now the settlement will be based normally off of your doctors report for loss of movement. This comes as a percent, that is dome by taking what you have coming in from W/C and multiplying that by maximum weeks allowed out here it is 6 years. So say you go 23 percent disabled then it will be 23 percent of your pay for 6 years. Not allot I can tell you that. But don't sign anything if you are not sure what you are signing. Attorneys do this type of work for free, or next to nothing. And most are limited to what they can charge by the state. So talk to them and see what and how to do this right. Good luck and god bless.
