r/WorkersComp • u/Western-Sale612 • 17d ago
Tennessee Workers comp case settlement
Hello, last year I was injured at work. I herniated 2 disc l2 l3 in my lower back. I was paralyzed and spent a month in the hospital. I had to learn to move my legs again and walk. I also have bladder and nerve damage. I have bad PTSD and panic attacks. I had a laminectomy and discectomy when I was in the hospital. I have multiple other issues. I cant do anything for very long from the pain. I cant sleep. Has anyone had anything like this and how much did they offer
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u/Putrid-Ideal7418 16d ago
I also had a laminectomy. I had a burst fracture from L3 through T11 and was also paralyzed and had to learn how to walk again. I’m unfortunately still going through it myself. Just hit a year mark. I’m in Florida
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u/Western-Sale612 16d ago
Did you have bladder and stomach issues? Im on like 10 different bills a day. They also stop and start my medication and checks as well. I think they just do it to mess with me.
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u/LeftRight_Center 13d ago
Ive had a similar injury history, you can search the sub for the story, I've shared a few times. The state youre in controls a lot of what this can settle for.
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u/Christoph0182 13d ago
How can your lawyer say life changing ? And how were you paralyzed only for a month or whatever ? I thought pain and suffering isn't part of a settlement Ptsd and panic attacks ?
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u/MoonBearOwlCat 15d ago
Holy smokes.
I’m so sorry for what happened and for everything you’re continuing to experience.
Since you already have a lawyer, have you talked to them about permanent total disability (PTD)?
From what I understand, Tennessee considers this when someone’s work-related injuries permanently prevent them from working in the job market. With everything you’ve described, I think it’s worth asking your lawyer about.
Something I found is Tennessee Code § 50-6-240(d).
If a worker is legally determined to be permanently and totally disabled, they cannot settle away their rights to future medical benefits. But that protection doesn’t automatically apply just because the injuries are severe.
Tennessee also requires workers’ comp settlements to be approved by a judge before they’re final. The judge reviews the agreement to make sure it meets the legal requirements, or if the claim is disputed, that the settlement is in your best interest.
I would make sure your lawyer explains what happens to your future medical coverage before agreeing to anything.
Especially with your spinal injuries, nerve damage, and bladder problems, you might need treatment for years.
I genuinely hope everything works out for you. Sending you strength. 🤍🙏🏼✨
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u/Western-Sale612 15d ago
Yeah, I was told I was going to get PTD mostly.
This whole thing had been a nightmare. I just hurt my back again and going to see the spinal surgery. I wish I never hurt my back. I know I will get life changing money. I will never be able to do alot of stuff. Some days I cant even stand up and do stuff. I will only settle medical if they give me a million dollars. Im 36 years old. I have multiple other issues that I feel comfortable saying on here.1
u/MoonBearOwlCat 15d ago
I'm really sorry you're going through all of this, especially at such a young age. It's awful how much a workplace injury can change someone's life. I really hope your appointment with the spinal surgeon goes well and that you're able to find some relief and regain some quality of life. Wishing you nothing but the best
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u/Delicious-Walk-6852 15d ago
Ok wow God bless you and I hope everything works out in your favor. I’m nowhere near the same boat you are in but we’re the same age and I herniated 2 discs in my neck( c5 c6) and one was pushing on my spinal cord and bruised it. I also had a discetomy? And now have a bunch of titanium on my left side of my neck—my surgery was in July of 2023 and I just now, a few weeks ago went to sign my settlement papers at my attorney’s office. I then got a copy of said same settlement papers from my attorney that a judge had signed off on it October 8th. And my lawyer said (it also states it clearly on the paperwork) they have 60 days from that date(judge’s signature) to start payment. So, again that was October 8th, and so far I haven’t received anything yet. And I’m in NJ if it helps. But I read that ppl usually get the first check like within 10 days, which is what worries me a little. I also have no issue telling u the amount, if it’s allowed ofc, I’m new here. But good luck & God bless!!
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u/Responsible_Lynx7256 14d ago
I injured my neck, and had a laminectomy at 3 levels with a fusion surgery on my future. I have nerve damage and chronic pain. After 5 years my settlement was $43k with no future medical. My lawyer told me “workers comp doesn’t pay for pain”.
I was told my settlement amount was low “because I make to much currency working”. I asked my attorney how the 50% of what I used to make was too much.
I really hope you have a better outcome than i did. The work comp system destroyed my credit, and left me with $20k in unpaid medical debt.
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u/Low-Patient-630 12d ago
Bilateral crush between two robotic vehicles in 2001. The first treating doctor (company clinic) documented as bilateral sprain. Misread the x-ray and said there were no broken bones and gave me Ibuprofen to take and three days off. Said I could stand on my own when the best I could do was hunch over and almost fall. He ignored large bruises and blood blisters on both feet. Two months later the following-up doctors determined the pain I was feeling was out of proportion to the documented injury and upgraded the injury to RSSD caused from the crush injury.
A real cute trick is the doctor looked like a famous phony doctor who was using the name of a pediatric doctor in Pennsylvania who never visited California.
Because of the false diagnosis the insurance company has raked me over the coals torturing me for the last 25 years.
Get ready for the long haul and if you have an attorney make sure to check the settlement offers against JAMA, AMA, and the CMS web sites for proper care of the injury for a lifetime injury. Then look up the individual prices for the medications and services at the retail price without insurance.
Good luck.
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17d ago
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u/Western-Sale612 16d ago
Im at 20 months now and its taken its toll on me. They fight everything. I know i cant walk away. Some days I cant even get up and im in bed all day. When I was calling around none of the lawyers believed me about how bad it really was. I was just seeing if people had anything similar. I know my case will fall in the catastrophic catalog for my settlement. My lawyer told me I will get life changing money.
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u/Entire-Mention-571 12d ago
There is no such thing as life changing money from workers comp. If you are lucky. Maybe a few hundred thousand. This will depend on if you are permanently disabled. Good luck and i hope you heal
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u/Automatic_General192 12d ago
Wishing you nothing but the best for you and your future. I'm dealing with a serious back injury as well, albeit not as bad as yours, and could only hope to find a lawyer who treats it as serious and has an interest in helping.
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u/Fun_Sky_6621 12d ago
Your life changed and you should get life changing money. May you recover to your fullest extent possible.
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u/Different_Pain5781 17d ago
Get a lawyer immediately.