Comp Injury

slipbob

Member
Hello all. I'm a newbie here but a 32 year UPSer. In January I fell while making a delivery in the snow. I immediately informed my supervisor and returned to the building. They sent me right away to an Urgent Care facility which did nothing but give me some pain meds. The following day I went to my Primary Care doctor who referred me to a pain specialist. The specialist ordered an MRI but Liberty Mutual wouldn't agree to it. After 2 months I finally had the MRI which according to the radiologist show 2 herniated discs and moderate to severe nerve compression. Liberty Mutual sent me for an IME. The IME doctor agreed with the MRI results and suggested injections. Fast forward to today and I have had 2 series of epidural injections and countless PT sessions. I have been dealing with sciatica and low back pain the entire time. The injections have given some relief but I'm nowhere near where I would like to be. Given the dynamics of being a delivery driver I know I am currently unable to do the job. I do have an attorney and am looking for any information of what to expect from Liberty Mutual and UPS. I'm too young to retire but at this point I have my doubts about my future with UPS. How do they determine if and when I'm able to return to my job? Thanks.
 

burrheadd

KING Of GIFS
Hello all. I'm a newbie here but a 32 year UPSer. In January I fell while making a delivery in the snow. I immediately informed my supervisor and returned to the building. They sent me right away to an Urgent Care facility which did nothing but give me some pain meds. The following day I went to my Primary Care doctor who referred me to a pain specialist. The specialist ordered an MRI but Liberty Mutual wouldn't agree to it. After 2 months I finally had the MRI which according to the radiologist show 2 herniated discs and moderate to severe nerve compression. Liberty Mutual sent me for an IME. The IME doctor agreed with the MRI results and suggested injections. Fast forward to today and I have had 2 series of epidural injections and countless PT sessions. I have been dealing with sciatica and low back pain the entire time. The injections have given some relief but I'm nowhere near where I would like to be. Given the dynamics of being a delivery driver I know I am currently unable to do the job. I do have an attorney and am looking for any information of what to expect from Liberty Mutual and UPS. I'm too young to retire but at this point I have my doubts about my future with UPS. How do they determine if and when I'm able to return to my job? Thanks.

Hope you lawyer knows what he’s doing
They will both try and make this as difficult as possible
 

BadIdeaGuy

Moderator
Staff member
Hello all. I'm a newbie here but a 32 year UPSer. In January I fell while making a delivery in the snow. I immediately informed my supervisor and returned to the building. They sent me right away to an Urgent Care facility which did nothing but give me some pain meds. The following day I went to my Primary Care doctor who referred me to a pain specialist. The specialist ordered an MRI but Liberty Mutual wouldn't agree to it. After 2 months I finally had the MRI which according to the radiologist show 2 herniated discs and moderate to severe nerve compression. Liberty Mutual sent me for an IME. The IME doctor agreed with the MRI results and suggested injections. Fast forward to today and I have had 2 series of epidural injections and countless PT sessions. I have been dealing with sciatica and low back pain the entire time. The injections have given some relief but I'm nowhere near where I would like to be. Given the dynamics of being a delivery driver I know I am currently unable to do the job. I do have an attorney and am looking for any information of what to expect from Liberty Mutual and UPS. I'm too young to retire but at this point I have my doubts about my future with UPS. How do they determine if and when I'm able to return to my job? Thanks.

What local are you in?

Here in 710, we've got 25 and out for drivers, and I think you've gotta be 52 for insurance.

Assuming you started at 18, that'd put you at 2 years to go till you could go. Any way you can just stall the physical therapy for the next couple years, and run the clock out?

Agree with Burrheadd, though... Lawyer up, cause Brown isn't probably going to be too worried about what they can do for you.
 

slipbob

Member
Me too. He was recommended by several of my co-workers. I haven't had any problems from either of them (yet). Checks have been on time. Just the occasional call from my center manager asking how I was doing. I know he is truly concerned about my well being. I do think Liberty is getting impatient as they seem to think my follow up appointments are too far apart. They are the ones who wanted to be conservative from the start, now not so much.
 

slipbob

Member
What local are you in?

Here in 710, we've got 25 and out for drivers, and I think you've gotta be 52 for insurance.

Assuming you started at 18, that'd put you at 2 years to go till you could go. Any way you can just stall the physical therapy for the next couple years, and run the clock out?

Agree with Burrheadd, though... Lawyer up, cause Brown isn't probably going to be too worried about what they can do for you.

My local is weak. Have to be 65 before I can draw without penalty. If I draw before 65, I lose .5% for every month short of being 65. Hell I would owe them if I tried to draw now. I just don't know what they will throw at me. I'm under MD comp laws.
 

Indecisi0n

Well-Known Member
Hello all. I'm a newbie here but a 32 year UPSer. In January I fell while making a delivery in the snow. I immediately informed my supervisor and returned to the building. They sent me right away to an Urgent Care facility which did nothing but give me some pain meds. The following day I went to my Primary Care doctor who referred me to a pain specialist. The specialist ordered an MRI but Liberty Mutual wouldn't agree to it. After 2 months I finally had the MRI which according to the radiologist show 2 herniated discs and moderate to severe nerve compression. Liberty Mutual sent me for an IME. The IME doctor agreed with the MRI results and suggested injections. Fast forward to today and I have had 2 series of epidural injections and countless PT sessions. I have been dealing with sciatica and low back pain the entire time. The injections have given some relief but I'm nowhere near where I would like to be. Given the dynamics of being a delivery driver I know I am currently unable to do the job. I do have an attorney and am looking for any information of what to expect from Liberty Mutual and UPS. I'm too young to retire but at this point I have my doubts about my future with UPS. How do they determine if and when I'm able to return to my job? Thanks.
I never been hurt but how the hell do they make you wait two months before getting the proper tests ? That's just crazy . I mean the body isn't going to wait for the test and might heal incorrectly . Cant you just get a lawyer from day one and demand tests ASAP?
 

slipbob

Member
I never been hurt but how the hell do they make you wait two months before getting the proper tests ? That's just crazy . I mean the body isn't going to wait for the test and might heal incorrectly . Cant you just get a lawyer from day one and demand tests ASAP?

I know right? My doctor was pissed as well. I guess Liberty wanted to save some $$$ and was hoping it would heal. My pain was of no concern I guess. I know they were not happy about injections as the case manager stated that they were expensive. They were in no hurry in the beginning so I am in no hurry now. My doctor is an attorney as well and he stated to the case manager that this was a slam dunk case for me. Time will tell I guess. This is a hell of a way to wind down a career though.
 

Indecisi0n

Well-Known Member
I know right? My doctor was pissed as well. I guess Liberty wanted to save some $$$ and was hoping it would heal. My pain was of no concern I guess. I know they were not happy about injections as the case manager stated that they were expensive. They were in no hurry in the beginning so I am in no hurry now. My doctor is an attorney as well and he stated to the case manager that this was a slam dunk case for me. Time will tell I guess. This is a hell of a way to wind down a career though.
Do yourself a favor and get a comp specific lawyer .
 

burrheadd

KING Of GIFS
My attorney is a personal injury/workers comp. He is pro bono so I am expecting him to do well for me. He has represented at least 6 of my co-workers in the last 10 years and was recommended.
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His names not Saul is it
 

Jkloc420

Do you need an air compressor or tire gauge
My attorney is a personal injury/workers comp. He is pro bono so I am expecting him to do well for me. He has represented at least 6 of my co-workers in the last 10 years and was recommended.
hopefully you dont get pistol whipped
 

Db2400

Well-Known Member
What local are you in?

Here in 710, we've got 25 and out for drivers, and I think you've gotta be 52 for insurance.

Assuming you started at 18, that'd put you at 2 years to go till you could go. Any way you can just stall the physical therapy for the next couple years, and run the clock out?

Agree with Burrheadd, though... Lawyer up, cause Brown isn't probably going to be too worried about what they can do for you.
Huh? He has 11 more years to get to his 25th year.
 
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