AboutMargot RN BScN GNC Expertise Please feel free to ask anything, but the more specific you are, the easier it is for me. Please share as many details as you are comfortable doing. I do check my Emails daily Monday through Friday so you should receive an answer within 24 hours on most business days. Thanks.
Experience I have 18 years experience as a Small Business Owner-Operator; I own a Nursing Agency so often deal with both employee and client injuries. I would be pleased to offer any assistance I can. If I can not answer your question I'll do my best to direct you to an appropriate resource. Thank you. Experience in the area 20 years of Long Term Care and Community Nursing, specialising in Geriatrics, Gerontology and PalliativeCare.
Education/Credentials Registered Nurse , Certified Gerontological Nurse, Bachelor of Science in Nursing >
Question QUESTION: I have rsd alife long nerve diease from a work related injury(a fx of my rt. hand)I am under workmans comp.If i dont settle is workmans comp liable for medical form life?if i do settle should i have a medical clause in it?
ANSWER: Hi David and thans for writing,
Which state do you live in?
Thanks,
Margot
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QUESTION: I live in georgia Respectfully David
Answer Hi again David,
You really nee dot consult with a lawyer specializing in Comp law in your area before you make a decision that could potentially affect the rest of your life, but I will do my best to answer your question from what I have read at the Georgia Workers Compensation (GWC) site (http://www.workerscompensationinsurance.com/workers_compensation/georgia.htm).
I do not believe that Workers Comp will be responsible for the rest of your life if you refuse to settle; I imagine they would simply go to arbitration.
According to GWC: "An injured worker unable to return to his trade or occupation as a result of a work injury shall have the right to an independent vocational assessment and to vocational rehabilitation if reasonably appropriate, with the goal being a return to the highest earning capacity possible within a reasonable time frame. Vocational rehabilitation benefits shall be at the same rate as temporary disability benefits.
An injured worker shall have the right to an impairment rating and disability determination which assesses chronic pain and depression along with any physical impairment. And if work related activities contribute to, result in or aggravate pain, limitation or impairment the claim shall be compensated.
An injured worker unable to return to substantial gainful work shall be entitled to permanent total disability benefits for as long as the disability continues."
To me this indicates that GWC will compensate you for loss of income due to time off work directly related to the injury, and they may also pay for pain & suffering, then they will retrain you for another occupation if you cannot return to your former employment.
As for the "medical clause", this you really need to consult with the lawyer about as the laws and regulations do vary so widely state to state.
I hope this answers your question, I wish you all the best,
