On the Job Injury, I'm a CNA

[annacnatorn]

hi,

i'm a cna/chha, ive been one for quite some time. several months ago, i was injured on the job. while i was working with a patient, i tore my rotator cuff, complete. my employer at the time did not want to report this to wc, but insisted on treating with his personal physician, after nearly a month with the incorrect treatment (meds as well as rom) i decided that it needed to be reported, i had a feeling that something funny was up but could not put my finger on it. any how, after i demanded the info then had to report it myself, then went to see the proper md, i had to have surgery, total shoulder reconstructive surgery. i am not progressing as well as the md would like, i seem to have several issues, pain, frozen, lack of rom, swelling, etc.

i have had no problems at all with the wc company. they have been a dream to deal with at this point, i have asked for gold and received gold, my questions are:

1. the company closed down, and did not tell me:madface:, thus i have no job to go back to..what can i do about this? (i was never told about it, i found out through the grape vine)

2. since i am having problems recovering, i don't think :bluecry1:i'll be able to return to the type of work i was doing, will i be able to be retrained?

3. if anyone has any experience with torn rotator cuff surgery, how long did it take you to get back full use of your arm/shoulder.

i don't want to give much more info, because i feel that i am being watched and feel very uncomfortable, i have just know been able to raise my arm 90 deg and should be at 150 deg on a passive fashion, i am frustrated with my lack of progress:banghead: and many other things..not to mention the meds..the list keeps getting longer and longer. i am on track to obtain another level of nursing, but am afraid that i won't be able to do it...any words of advise? encouragement? :uhoh3:

love the lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, acknowledge him.

[GM2RN]

You need an attorney.

[classicdame, MSN, EdD]

agreed

[itsmejuli]

My mom had this surgery done a few years ago. She did her assigned exercises faithfully and regained full ROM with no pain. Her full recovery took several months.

Your other questions need to be answered by wocomp.

[HisTreasure, BSN, RN]

Well we can't give legal advice so I am going to tread very lightly here. I will say that the first thing you need to do is secure a WC lawyer (there aren't any upfront costs) and then allow him/her to lead you in the correct next steps.

Secondly, my mom had rotator cuff surgery about 17 months ago. She has regained full ROM but has decreased muscle tone and sensation in that arm. That is likely permanent. Meanwhile, my best friend had a similar surgery less than a year ago and is perfectly well now. Different people respond differently. Has to do with age, genetics, skill of the MD, and aggressiveness of the rehab.

Good luck!

[NRSKarenRN, BSN, RN]

Since your former employer is now out of business, don't know if workers comp attorney can be helpful.

Have you asked your Work Comp carrier for info re job retraining?

Check out your states Office Vocational Rehabilitation Programs to see what's available.

[GM2RN]

Since your former employer is now out of business, don't know if workers comp attorney can be helpful.

Have you asked your Work Comp carrier for info re job retraining?

Check out your states Office Vocational Rehabilitation Programs to see what's available.

This may be true, but she needs to consult with an attorney to know for sure, and it needs to be done ASAP. She should be able to find one who will given an initial consultation for free.

[annacnatorn]

Thank you all for your thoughtful insights. I have been in light contact with a WC attorney, though re TX but not about work. Many others have told me to do the same. I do think it is time, I just didn't want to go that route.

Regarding my recovery, I guess it is at this point what it is, I have been working hard and PT is horribly painful, but I know I will recover. Thank you.

[GM2RN]

Thank you all for your thoughtful insights. I have been in light contact with a WC attorney, though re TX but not about work. Many others have told me to do the same. I do think it is time, I just didn't want to go that route.

Regarding my recovery, I guess it is at this point what it is, I have been working hard and PT is horribly painful, but I know I will recover. Thank you.

I understand the reluctance to go the attorney route, but you really can't wait. Since your former employer is out of business, only an attorney can tell you if you will be able to collect anything at all, and the longer you wait the more difficult it will likely become, in my non-attorney opinion. :) Good luck!