It will be almost five months since I started my worker’s compensation claim with my last employer. Time and time again, procedures are denied, payments are denied, etc. When I hired a lawyer, I thought it would expedite the process but unfortunately this is not the case. Finally, I have a scheduled hearing after I have exhausted all income available to me. Honestly I just want this all to end…period.

Back on March 30, 2025, I fell at work. I reported it to the manager on duty who replied, “You’ll be fine in a couple of days”. I continued to work for three more months. Then I was called into the office to discuss my “productivity”. The manager acknowledged the proper protocol was not followed but the manager I reported to and was told to speak to the store manager to start the process.

Since the date of the accident, I have seen my primary provider and a worker’s compensation provider in the same office. I have completed physical therapy with no help. However, additional tests have not been approved for various reasons. Suddenly, I receive a call from OneCall to schedule an MRI that was approved. Don’t even remember talking to my provider about that. Anything I need can usually be done by the local hospital, I just have to report it under worker’s compensation. Apparently not with this company?? Wait until they learn, I don’t drive..but that is for another day.

In the meantime, a while back, I retained a lawyer because I wanted someone to look into the case and direct me. Did they? Nope. I had to call them over two months on various occasions to get a status on my case. Then when I was able to speak to an actually attorney instead of a paralegal rep, they contradicted each other. Neither had the right information in front of them. So I sent a document with a timeline of when, what, who and outcome. Later they questioned the various dates. Instead I argued, the dates are all within three days (03/30 – 04/1). The point I wanted the attorney to note was my employer DID NOT follow proper protocol to file an accident report on the day that it happened. Still didn’t get through their heads. Whatever….

Since July, when I actually began my leave of absence from work, I have used all financial resources to me. Drained the bank account, savings, 401K, stock opens, credit cards are maxed. I literally have no resources left. My own sister (who I haven’t spoke to in depth since I moved here in 5 years) has send me money and just bought me a large order of groceries to help me through this month. My landlord hasn’t been paid for October nor November. I have contacted state agencies and other support agencies who all say “Unfortunately because you have an open worker’s compensation case, we can’t help you.”

Today, I was able to look online about my case and a hearing has been scheduled for 11/24. It’s a virtual hearing. It was just posted today so I’m sure my attorney has not reviewed it. It’s my hope that THEY call me instead of the other way around. If they don’t, I’ll attend the meeting to honestly say, “My retained attorney has not spoken to me since the middle of October”.

Honestly, I just want this all to end. I really don’t want to as my employer is the one at fault. Instead I have racked up medical bills that aren’t paid. Gained a large amount of debt. Spend every dime I have just to survive these months. On the verge of eviction, utilities cut off, etc. No one else will help me. Let’s just get it over with, so perhaps I can file for short term or long term disability.

This whole process is just a joke. The company doesn’t care about the employee, they just want to cover their own ass. I have no plans to return to them, no matter what. I am so DONE!