Hey everyone, I’m 30, from Illinois, and I’ve been completely screwed by the workers comp system + my own law firm.
Timeline:
Fall of 2024: Rear-ended in a hit-and-run while working (company truck). Got 4 lumbar injections.
January/Feb, 2025: Re-injured at work lifting heavy materials — heard a clear “pop,” immediate severe pain increase. Told my employer, went to Concentra same day, told my attorney the next day, and told my treating clinic the next day too. (I was re injured my first day back to full duty)
Concentra noted I hurt my back at work. Employer never reported the re-injury. My attorney’s office also never filed the re-injury claim until 8 months later. ( I am still livid after finding this out).
July 2025: Benefits cut off after IME doctor said my original injury was “pre-existing” (even though I had zero back issues or treatment before the hit-and-run). He also had zero knowledge of my re injury.
I’ve now been without any weekly benefits since mid-July 2025 (over 8 months). I have permanent 10-20 lb lifting restrictions, can’t sit or stand more than 30 minutes, failed light duty, and I’ve had a total of 10 lumbar injections + a nerve ablation. Discography was requested but denied. Doctors have recommended I change careers because my construction job is too physical.
The case now has two dockets. There was one 19(b) back in early 2025 that got me backpay, (about 10-12k) total until cutoff. Since then it’s been regular arbitration with 3-month status calls, pre-trials, and depositions. No new 19(b) was ever filed for reinstatement after the cutoff. My firm keeps texting me “excellent news soon,” but nothing concrete has happened. I’m broke, in pain, and watching my parents deal with their own health issues while I can barely help because my back flares from the smallest things.
I’m mentally checked out. My fiancé and I split, account is empty, and I’m suffering every day.
If anyone is out there struggling, never lose faith even in your darkest times.
Just needed to vent. Thanks for reading.