An earlier post from this blog annotates the woeful and absolute outrageous treatment being heaped upon one of our members, Ron Markowicz, by the Worker’s Comp System, including his own attorney, whose firm appeared to be in collusion with the Insurance Carriers by ceasing all pertinent services to his case apparently driven by fear of potential corporate harm through future litigation. No medical help for months. No answers from the attorney—-only mis-statements. No help anywhere.
As a former vocational counselor, I have seen this type behavior before—and it generally stems from a surgical mistake, then when an injured worker continues to complain, the first thought emanating from the Carriers, attorneys, et. al is:
‘Stop the services! Send out false information to the worker! Make outrageous claims that the worker is not complying with the various service providers! Cover your ass!’
And ad naeuseum….the spin merchants, coupled with loss prevention departments of these huge insurance conglomerates begin to work their magic—–here’s what they do to a lot of people who might have a legitimate complaint: they simply stop sending their monthly check. No explanation. Can you imagine the panic?
As it is, you are lucky if you receive two thirds of your normal salary while on the Comp System—and now, suddenly, you have no money to pay for anything! Most of the times, they will re-start the financial benefits, but not before causing the injured person to suffer further through stress by making them late for credit card or rent payments. Add to it a nightmarish quality– I have personally heard insurance company rehab co-ordinators, while at industry ‘functions’, exclaim great humor at how many people they ‘put the screws to’ that week.
Folks, this stuff is industry wide, and it sickens me to watch it continue. This should be considered health care reform, too, and the political writers seem to simply ignore the horrendous level of abuse perpetrated by the ‘business’ side of this system, while the person who is already hurt and suffering, suffers further at the hands of those who should be honestly assisting them to achieve their best level of gainful re-entry to the work world. (or determine that will never be possible)
It should be obvious to all that creating an adversarial system, instead of a truly philanthropic, medically progressive streamlined system, the worst of all possibilities occur, where delays are normal, and communication among the providers is poor, at best. Built for failure.
And, as all our members know, the Social Security Disability system certainly seems bad enough— difficult and hurtful at many turns.
At this writing, there over a million cases which are officially ‘backlogged’ in the Social Security Disability system. Unless you take the free course offered here at the Disability Digest, you can easily wait three full years before receiving benefits. (and that’s if you’re not backlogged) Three years! No excuse can be offered which might even approach credibility.
But the Worker’s Comp System—-if anything can be more problematic than Social Security Disability, it’s this damnable system in which Ron Markowicz continues to suffer. But, some progress had been made. There may be a ray of sunshine.
While I cannot comment on case specifics, I can say that some advancement is being made on the medical side, as Ron’s original physician is only now re-activating his services to him, but still faces an uphill battle against a stone-walling industry.
Also, due to many different and serious inquires to the Nevada Governor’s Office, there has been progress toward publicizing Ron’s case fully, exposing it for the utter disgrace it remains. As it may involve the National media, his case could be re-opened, and the proper medical procedures enacted post haste. These major corporations do not appreciate black marks against them, as stockholders are already nervous these days.
So, with enough pressure, Ron would immediately receive the attention he needs, and in the proper order, which is vital in his case.
He is truly disabled, suffering the results of several breaks in his back from a serious fall while at work, then surgical mis-feasance resulting in pieces of metal floating in his back, now invading the surrounding soft tissue, creating intractable pain.
The link to the initial information in this case is a fairly long read, including my post describing the Worker’s Comp System, and the specific details of his case—then, a page of a well kept medical file which further elucidates Ron’s situation. Again, if any readers have a golden rolodex, please forward this appropriately.
http://www.thedisabilitydigest.com/blog/235/missing-in-action-justice-for-disabled-injured-worker/
We continue to press our efforts towards resolving this unsettling dilemma, as justice should have it. The overarching reality is: Ron’s case could be your own. He did not violate any ‘rules’ and was always forthcoming with his medical providers and insurance carrier. That was pre-surgery.
Today is a different story.
Best to all involved,
Advocate
john at thedisabilitydigest.com
UPDATE: AS OF THIS WRITING, MR. MARKOWICZ HAS TERMINATED THE SERVICES OF HIS ATTORNEY, AND SUDDENLY, APPROVAL HAS BEEN GRANTED FOR AN’ EMERGENCY INJECTION’, TREATMENT WHICH HAS BEEN WITHHELD FOR THE PAST FOUR MONTHS. REAL MEDICAL TREATMENT NECESSARY FOR HIS SURVIVAL. GREAT NEWS!
