no workmans comp

well I just found out today I am not covered under workmans comp. I unfortunately I have no reason why my heart stop it just did and I got a pm. So workmans comp said not our problem

14 Comments

I can work

by gargoyle725 - 2009-05-20 02:05:14

I am fine to go back to work (monday on light duty) and that's what I want. I don't understand all the workman's comp stuff but I know that a lot of heart conditions are covered. the doctor just does not have a reason why my heart stopped. if I was unable to work I could go out on the heart and lung bill. I am only 36 and will retire at age 51. Dont get me wrong I am not looking to get out of work . It was actually filled as workmans comp untill there was no diagnosis.
the funny thing is I have to do a physical test every year and if I cant they will basically get rid of me for not being able to do my job.I am not worried about that though I should be back to full strength soon

SSA Disability

by Bill-2 - 2009-05-20 02:05:43

Just saw this discussion and if you do need to go the SSA Disability route go to this web site

http://www.socialsecurity.gov/pubs/10029.html.

If you apply and are turned down, which is almost guaranteed to happen, and you appeal, SSA will usually pay attorney fees for the appeals process.

I had to go there a number of years ago and the process is slower than elephants having little ones, but it can be made to happen.

insurance coverage

by Tracey_E - 2009-05-20 03:05:43

If you just get sick, it's covered health insurance
If you're driving your car and get hurt, it's covered car insurance
If you are hurt at work, it's workmans comp.

If you have problems while driving or at work, it will be filed with wc or car ins first because the health insurance will not kick in until it's ruled out that it's not covered by any other insurance. Once wc turns it down- which I would fully expect because work did not cause your heart to stop, even if it did you'd likely never prove it- health insurance will pay. No insurance co ever wants to pay, so they refuse until any other possible option is eliminated.

it isn't their problem

by Angelie - 2009-05-20 04:05:09

employers cannot be responsible for people's heart rates, or lack of. The same way that they cannot be liable for their employees dropping dead from heart attacks. For instance, an employee has a heart attack because he has a strong family history of heart disease, plus he has all of the other risk factors such as smoking, obesity, alcohol abuse, high cholesterol, and uncontrolled hypertension. Do you honestly believe it's the employer's responsibility because he just happened to have the attack while he was on the job? Please....

A while ago, I fainted at work. I just out right fell out of my chair. Emergency medical personnel were summoned to my aid where they found me to be tachycardic and hypotensive. My desk job, flipping papers didn't cause my heart to race or my blood pressure to drop- it just happened. Like a lot of things to a lot of people- it just happened.

The fact that a cardiac event happens at work doesn't make it their fault in any way shape or form.

Last year, Tim Russert collapsed and died while working at NBC. Do you think his choice in keeping a high-profile, high stress job and the fact that he collapsed and died of a massive heart attack in the sound booth that it was honestly the fault of NBC?

I don't think so. Heart events happen. Quit trying to pen it on someone and just accept as it is. The sooner you start looking in the right direction, the sooner you'll get the help you need.


Sorry, just my two cents

i was venting

by gargoyle725 - 2009-05-20 05:05:17

thats all I am not looking to get ssi and really dont care about workmans comp. but in my line of work if you have a heart attack at work it is covered. the only reason my issue is not covered is they dont have a cause. But also you cant say its not a jobs fault or you chose to work a high stress job, I dont blame the job but what if I got cancer from working there. I am fine to work in full capacity as soon as my healing is complete,I could be full duty now accept for the fact that at any time I may have to get involved in a life threating situation

Unnecessay Comment

by Goliath - 2009-05-20 07:05:54

"Quit trying to pen it on someone and just accept as it is. The sooner you start looking in the right direction, the sooner you'll get the help you need."

When I read the above, my thought was I don't know why, but Angelie must have a few knots in your bloomers. I didn't see Gargoyle725 try to pin anything on anyone. He had an event with his heart while at work and for whatever reason, or at whoever's direction, he applied for workman' comp. He was turned down. I didn't see him bemoaning the fact he was turned down.

The people that did respond were only offering suggestions of other avenues he could pursue to possibly continue having an income. Nothing more. Then you come along with what I think is the totally uncalled for statement shown above. That's a shame because such chastising of a someoneposting a message will have an effect on others that may be thinking of asking a question here. I can easily see why a newbie that had never posted here would think, "no way am I stepping into that bear's den."

Say whatever you wish about yourself, or your situation, but chastising some one else because of what YOU perceive to be the basis of their problem is uncalled for.

I'm sure some will say or think the same thing about me for speaking up against what you posted and that is fine. I have posted few messages here and you can bet you will never see me here again. When I finish this the Pacemaker Club gets removed from my favorites list because it is no longer a favorite.

Good bye

WCB

by Pookie - 2009-05-20 08:05:17

Here in Canada, one only gets WCB if injured while at work.

I am off of work on what we call Long Term Disability. While working for the past 16 yrs, I had to pay into this every pay and grumbled at the high cost per pay NEVER thinking I would ever have to use it. Funny how things turn out in life.

My Long Term Disability is paid to me via an insurance company and yes, I had to go thru mountains of paper work and all my doctors had to fill out forms too, then months later I was finally approved. Matter of fact, I just passed my 2 year mark so now I am "permanently disabled". I also receive a small income from our government.

I never thought in a million years that at age 47 I would not be able to work and be a productive citizen, but in time I will get my health back and get back to the land of the living!!!!!!!!!!!

There's always hope.

So....I guess my question is this: do you have short term or long term disability where you work? What about any government assistance? It's worth looking into.

Pookie

Sorry to hear that....

by maryanne - 2009-05-20 10:05:50

Worker's compensation is just like any insurance company if they can deny a claim they will. The only nice thing about worker's compensation is that you can appeal their decision. You have to prove though how your heart stopping was work related....I mean did you have an elecltrical accident, did you come in contact with something that would cause your heart to stop? You say that you have no reason as to why your heart stopped...I gather by that the doctors could give you no reason for this incident. There is research out there that states there are a percentage of people who unknowingly are prone to sudden cardiac arrest, maybe you unfrotunately were one of them, and for that I am sorry..

If I were you I would investigate things just a little further to ensure that in fact you re not entitled.

Cheers, Mary Anne

hmmm

by Angelie - 2009-05-20 11:05:01

What an occupational hazard to have your heart stop due to your job...

I can't think of any occupation that would cause someone's heart to stop, so why would it be the fault of the employers?

Does seem like it's out of their hands.....

Getting Workman's Comp

by J.B. - 2009-05-20 11:05:56

I just reread your first message and take it the only connection between your heart problem and work was the fact that you were at work when it happened. I'll bet that unless you can prove your problem is work related you will have a rough road to travel to get workman's comp. Where I live workman's comp is for those that were made sick or were injured by their work, not just on the job. Again, based on what you tell us, I can see why you would be denied.

Maybe you should talk to your doctor and see if he agrees you are unable to work and try for SSA disability benefits. Those benefits are available to those that are unable to work due to health reasons. Those health reasons can be from any cause, except self inflicted injury, and sometimes even that will be accepted. Getting SSA disability is not easy, but the qualified person, sometimes with the help of an attorney, can usually win.

But no matter what advice or suggestions you get here or any place, your first step down this road will most likely have to be with the help of your doctor.

uhmmmmmm

by pacergirl - 2009-05-20 12:05:10

This is a subject I have often thought about. I never had any heart issues until after working at the same job in the same set up for about 10 years. Very high Stress, very fast paced kind of job.

Stress on your body and your emotions, in my humble opinion, and many drs. as well, can lead to arrhythmia problems. Stress even brings on heart attacks! I would speak to my lawyer if I were you, just to get the real facts of the matter

Pacergirl

Think I would

by walkerd - 2009-05-21 08:05:26

get another doctors opinion on what the problem was there has to be a reason? That to me would be the scarest part, having a doctor tell me he doesnt know why my heart stopped. Did they do any tests? Wish you all the luck gargoyle, in your return to work, and hopeing your health improves and gets better. Dont leave the site because you had 1 negitive response, for the most part there are fantastic people on here and Goliath same goes for you man. I know there have been a few times I have thought the same way not alot but there has been a couple of times. But whatever you decied the best of luck in good health to both of you.
dave

my two cents.....Goliath

by Angelie - 2009-05-21 09:05:30

That's all. This world is full of opinions. This site is not excluded. Sorry if I offended anyone, but I still don't believe that my comment was insensitive, negative or chastising. I was just merely stating my opinion and simply offfering facts.
Sorry if your feathers got ruffled.

not bothered or leaving

by gargoyle725 - 2009-05-21 10:05:07

first let me say stick around Goliath, I am new to pacemakers and this site has been my savior , being able to talk to people that understand has been great. plus Goliath was the head gargoyle in a classic cartoon. my other saving grace is my work ethic we have great benefits at my work and I have never abused them like a lot of people due. Before this happened I accumulated more than 400 hrs of paid sick leave and allmost 400 hrs of vacation. So Basically I have 800hrs to recover and still get a full pay check.I will use less than 100hrs of sick yime for recovery and I thing max out of pocket is $2000 dollars a year for my insurance. and at age 51(15 years) I will retire with 88% of my highest 3 years salery (more if I stay longer). So I am fine. And thanks to everyone on this site for there help,suggestions and opinions, you have all helped in my recovery. THANK YOU ALL

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