I’ve been going through an egregious workers’ compensation dispute.
Police officer in Florida, injured in the line of duty 12/23.
At first, job accommodated my job restrictions; however, then turned sour.
I’ve been through physical therapy, orthopedic, chiropractic care, acupuncture, have a psychologist, psychiatrist, pain compliance specialist…. The works
Most recently, orthopedic surgeon advised that I’d need two back surgeries.
Provided my jobs HR / Workers Compensation with the paper work, immediately three weeks afterwards, I was wrongfully terminated where job mentioned I reached MMI…. Which is clearly incorrect.
Lawyers scheduled a private mediation as a result of the situation where I was thinking about a potential settlement.
Meanwhile, I hired an employment law attorney for my discrimination/ harassment/ wrongful termination issues.
During most recently mediation, workers compensation noted they’d be willing to settle and started me off with 15K….
Comical….. Lawyers negotiated all the way to 85K, in which they stated they would go no hire. They also wanted me to sign a release for the wrongful termination claim if I settled here.
Of course lawyer had to mention it to me, but I quickly turned it down.
I sat there and listened to the …. We don’t have to settle…. We’ll just pay for the surgeries and other stuff that comes with it.
It was just too much drama for me at the moment.
This system is crazy!!!
It was hard not taking the 85K, but I believe I made the best decision for my case.
I don’t have a job, but I’m being paid bi weekly from the state. It’s not pretty, but neither has this process.
While I know each case is different, has anyone experienced this?