Topics for the Workers Comp Adjuster: Understanding Impairment Ratings

This professional development lecture by Donald A. Abrams, P.A., covers the basics and components of a properly completed impairment rating as well as the necessary parameters for an upper extremity, lower extremity, spine and visual system/hearing system assessment.

[gabeescoto]

I was injured about 4 years ago while working for Potter County. I was fired from my job. I had two surgeries. Finally a doctor from the state came to Amarillo and did an impairment rating in my truck. I received no more compensation of any kind. There was no settlement of any kind. When I went to the office here in Amarillo the WC employees hid. Now could you possibly provide me with information as to whether I am entitled to any compensation? Thank you for your videos.

[heatherj]

So, if a person can no longer do the things that they enjoy in life, that doesn't matter at all. However, it does drive the injured worker into a state of depression. So, the bottom line is it depends on the dollar amount with insurance or 3rd party processors. What specialist and Doctors state do not matter. However, they went to medical school, and they deal with these kinds of injuries all the time, but they don't know what they are talking about. We all know in states that you cannot get your own Dr. that the Dr you do see doesn't work for you. It is already unfair to the worker and then this video just shows how insurance companies mess with the injured workers even more for no reason.

[GoodGollyDolly]

You prove. Workers comp is not fair Preexisting conditions of arthritis ....etc....accidents made conditions worse. Exacerbated the injury.
Treat the injured worker. If not fair. We must go back to suing the employer. Breach of original contract.

[DemarkoWilliams-wl]

Just got a 48%whole body waiting for them to dispute of course

[GoodGollyDolly]

Soap notes subjective. Objective. The whole process starts with subjective. An injury is an injury. Subjective or objective. Both apply. All medical starts, subjective. So, don’t deny. Otherwise, nothing is fair. OWCP. Especially federal work comp keeps whittling away at workers rights.
So much so as businesses are reaping dividends by denial of claims. 97% denial rate. 3 % accepted claims for USPS nationwide for 2020. I find that unacceptable. Think it he whole process needs to be revamped completely or go back prior to 1915. Beginning of Work comp. process is no longer fair to the worker.
Compensation for a finger, wrist or elbow and not brain, neck spine. You think that’s fair. Try having back pain. Even though tests show, radiating symptoms...you didn’t account for movement. Same with the neck. Just because your tests don’t show brain injury. Mri. Soft tissue. Ct bone. It doesn’t account for chemical transmission within the brain. Since tests don’t prove, doesn’t mean it’s not an injury.
The whole process is for the benefit of the employers.
Looking for loopholes to deny benefits. I find this across the board.
I have spoken to many injured employees. Compensable claim. Denied! One where the rural carrier fell on ice. Had a previous neck surgery with plates and screws. The fall knocked the screws loose. Her claim was denied because they said it was preexisting. Not, the the loose screws. I hear stories such as this frequently! I read decisions of Ecab. I disagreed with their ‘God’ complex decisions. Most of the time. Going against their own rules! I used to work doing Work comp and injuries at an employment office years ago. We took care of the injuries! And, also reduced overall work compensation . I have a letter of accommodation stating the fact AND, NO ONE GOT FIRED FOR AN INJURY, .

[mojorisin]

I understand that the insurance needs to protect their best interests but they also should do the right thing and to treat everyone like a number and is trying to scam and cheat the system for money or permanent disability to not work again. The system is a monopolistic industry and when there is significant evidence then it should be honored. This video also proves that the system goes out of its way to minimize the effects of injuries and looks to just save money and not what is in the best interest of the injured worker. This system is not used in a personal injury claim but in a workers comp case there are so many draconian rules and regulations rather then making them the same and letting the evidence suggest what is and what isn't. So in other words for the ones who are really hurt will be diagnosed easily and concluded and the ones who aren't will be denied. We should not force people to work if they are severely disabled and should be paid accordingly.

[donovanwilliamsroker]

Going over and beyond to cheat and discredit the injured worker. All to save the pockets of the insurance company. Even though that worker may have worked 20- 30 years without incidence for the employer.
Disgraceful and shameful!

[glennieholland]

Work comp is a joke to do the injury worng allways.