Posted by Chris on November 30, 1999 at 13:26:23:
In Reply to: Workers need more protection/ Oregon Live posted by Advocate on November 19, 1999 at 08:38:39:
Let's look at what this injured worker received in place of giving up all rights to sue their employer who ignored 10 weeks of safety concerns written and oral.
A battle for 2 years and 2 months to get surgery that could have caused complete paralysis at any time because ins. co. used present law to prevent/delay it. No wage replacement between each claim closure which consisted of most of this time.
21% permanent (lifetime) disability equals lump sum payment of $8,500.
Ins. co. repeatedly violates law???? (it's in the court records) but is never accessed a penny in penalties.
Seven months with no wage replacement to fight ins. co. to actually approve vocational schooling so I can earn less than 50% of my 1995 wages.
Medical treatment (supposedly for 5 years) until claim must be re-filled with little legal chance of getting it. Ins. co. will not pay bills now though.
No compensation for continuous lifetime pain. Physicians afraid to prescribe medicine due to pressure from state and federal drug regulators (Ins. co will make complaint)
In other words another person had it right when they said the WC motto should be:
BEND OVER AND TAKE IT!