Tag: frustraton

It’s Going to Get Ugly Around Here

On By mikeykjrIn WM WC Claim 2025, Worker's compensationLeave a comment

It is known navigating through the worker’s compensation process is a nightmare. I’ve been on a leave of absence (LOA) for over a month and not getting any compensation, yet. Unfortunately, it’s time to take matters to another level as I am getting no where with anyone.

I was warned and know, through experiences of others, this whole process can be be a challenge. Some cases are resolved almost immediately because the “evidence” and supporting documentation are apparent. Others, like mine, take time to resolve, because details are vague the supporting documentation may not support the evidence.

As I have documented here, I have three four entities working on my case. First, my employer is Walmart. Second, the Worker’s Compensation board has assigned a case number and is “monitoring activities”. Third is a third party insurance company working with Walmart. Lastly, there is Walmart Corporate Claims Services in which I have a worker’s compensation worker assigned to me. Lastly, there is another company Sedgwick, who also handles FMLA where an employee reports absences or Leave of Absences.

Over the last couple of weeks, I get one notice after another from Walmart Claims services either “Refusal” or “Objection” to such claims. In the case of Sedgwick, I get a refusal to approve my LOA because of lack of medical documentation. I have enough stress in my life being out of work for almost a month or more now with a tentative return to work on September 5, 2025. Even my request for worker’s compensation for lost wages over this times has been denied, “Your workers compensation was accepted for an acute knee injury only. It appears that your current issues are due to the lower back, and seem to be of a degenerative nature. In regards to the workers compensation claim, there will be no compensation for lost time.” Unfortunately, I have to take this to another level – an inquiry with a lawyer.

My medical appointments are so spread out over time, I’m just sitting and waiting. I have another appointment August 26, to start physical therapy. I don’t see my worker’s compensation provider through my medical provider until September 5, for a re-evaluation. Meanwhile, I’m living on wages saved which is dwindling down to almost nothing but the end of the month.

Last week, I put in requests through various worker’s compensation lawyers for a consultation. No one yet has gotten back to me. Again, I know they have to sift through various requests themselves, review the initial request, then get back to me. Again, this all takes time. I can only hope one comes through to inquire further about my case.

Lastly, the only income I have is my 401K. One loan was taken out last month. I just requested a second general purpose loan today to cover my rent and utility expenses for next month. I attempted a full withdraw but that was denied. I know the consequences of such requests but it’s the only source of any income I have right now.

I can only hope things start to come together shortly rather than later. While I have no control over the processes involved, I do what I can when I can. Mentally, I’m depleted. Physically, I have been hurting a lot lately but continue to attempt walks and do exercises as needed. Spiritually, I ask assistance on a daily basis to get me through the day.

That is all for now.
MK

Slow Acting Poison

On By mikeykjrIn Personal3 Comments

As typical with nursing homes, we are short staffed, especially on the second shift (3 p.m. to 11 p.m.) Last night I worked another 16 hour shift. Working at least one 16 hour day per week besides the 4 day, 12 hour work week is becoming the norm.  I am not the only one, as there is a large amount of stress for us all. However, when your co-workers act like children from high school moaning and groaning because they didn’t get what they wanted, my blood just boils. In this type of environment, when people are stretched thin, things just don’t get done. In the end, it’s the residents that suffer. So here I am thinking about calling in sick – but I won’t. It’s times like this I look at my last ten years of sobriety for answers.

For instance, when I got sober, I made a commitment to myself – no matter how bad things got, I would not drink. The various slogans of the program come into play. Yet no matter how much I spin this one or that one, it just doesn’t seem to work.For now, I feel like I’m white knuckling through it.

On a daily basis I’m saying the Serenity Prayer right before I go into work:

God grant me the serenity
to accept the things I cannot change;
courage to change the things I can;
and wisdom to know the difference.

No matter how much I try to ignore all the negativity, it’s like a small acting poison. Day after day my frustration and anger just build breaking my strength to deal with the situations appropriately. Honestly, I have blown up at the wrong people and wrong places, yet I don’t regret my actions. I simply can’t ignore the transgressions of others. I have a responsibility set before me NOT to ignore them. Yet my concerns continue to fall on deaf ears.

For me, “Let Go, Let God” hasn’t been much successful either. I can’t change people or the situations before me. I have done what needs to be done – my responsibility, therefore I need to trust that God will take care of business. While I do understand such changes may not happen overnight, in a week, month or even a year, eventually I trust that God will take over. In the meantime, I’m the one that continues to be miserable.

No offense, but my ex-Sponsor, “Spiritual Advisor” or whatever he likes to call himself these days is also not much help at all.  Unfortunately, at this time he’s the only one I have a phone call away but I don’t bother to call him. While I feel he doesn’t understand what I’m going through, he just throws out, “Get another job.” I wish it was that easy.

I simply just don’t know what to do.

All I can fall back on for now is, “Just One Day at a Time”.

Forget the past, today is a new night at work, go in and get it done.

“It’s a choice one has to make with anything in life: to either believe in yourself or allow yourself to be sucked into self-pity and feelings of self-doubt.”