John Belushi and work injuries in Illinois
To quote the late, great John Belushi, nothing is over until we say it is.
A reader asks: Had a disc fusion on c5-6 on July 1, 09. I was off for 5 months. The insurance company sent me to a I.M.E. He asked me to described my job duties to him, which was to lead a crew for a natural gas co. He said I was at " Maximum Medical Improvement" And released me with "no restrictions". My phyzatrist told me to try it out and see. I have been having problems with my neck the whole time I've been back. In May I re-aggravated my neck(at work) , and placed back on restrictions. Got hurt again in July. This time I'm off for 3 weeks.The insurance co said that this is a new injury. And that the original claim was closed when I returned to work with no restrictions.
Even if there wasn't a new injury, unless you wait too long to formally file a claim (and this person didn't), the insurance company can't tell you that your case is closed. Only by settling your case should your case be formally closed.
This worker has a great case and deserves their case to be open. The good news is that it will take all of five minutes to make that happen.
Moral of the story is that you don't let the insurance company dictate what is going to happen with your life.
We are workers' compensation attorneys that help people with Illinois work injuries anywhere in IL via our statewide network of attorneys. Contact us and we will answer your questions or find the right lawyer for your situation.
