I fell at work about 5 years ago, catching myself with my arm. My shoulder was sore, but I didn't go to the doctor that night. About 5 days later, I couldn't pick up anything, and my shoulder was in so much pain. I went to the Dr. at that time, and they told me it was bruised muscles. They never did x-rays or scans. They sent me home with a 20 lb weight limit and told me to take ibuprofin. Eventually, I was able to use it normally again, but it now clicks when I move it and goes numb if I sleep with it above my head. Recently, the entire shoulder feels like it is burning, and my chirpractor thinks that I actually tore my rotator cuff back when I fell, and my need surgery. Is there anything I can do now regarding workers comp, especially if the doctors never took films? I am not looking for a payday, but my deductible is high, and I really don't have the money to take off work to recover if surgery is what happens.

For good advice see a lawyer and if you have questions about this blog, the law or your case write or call me directly. Steve Lombardi, sdlombardi@aol.com and 515-222-1110. I handle all types of personal injury cases including car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, workers' compensation cases. We help truckers all across the country who come through Iowa and end up in an accident. If we need other lawyers from other states we hire them and it costs you no more than what you would pay us; in other words, we split the fee between us. So call 515-222-1110 or email us at sdlombardi@aol.com.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney

Five years ago is too long a period. Workers' compensation claims have a 2 year period after the initial injury, unless you were paid weekly indemnity benefits. If paid WIB's then you have three years from the date of the last check, which in your case you seem be indicating, there were no benefits paid. I'm assuming you're too late.

After a worker is injured is when they need the support of their employer the most. But injured workers aren't given a level playing field. The company doctor often times is not helping them and the case manager isn't either. The worker is left alone to fend for themselves and to make mistakes that result in lower benefits or fewer weeks of benefits. Some are sent back to work too soon. There is only one person on your side and that understands this system. If your lawyer doesn't understand the nature of this claim you've got the wrong lawyer. Steve Lombardi has practiced in the area of workers compensation for over 30 years. He's tried hundreds of cases for more than one thousand clients. If you'd like help finding a competent lawyer we do assist people in locating a lawyer in Iowa or in Illinois. Call us.

If you have a question about your case, give us a call or drop us an email. LOMBARDI LAW FIRM - 515-222-1110 or sdlombardi@aol.com. If you or your spouse are involved in a work accident contact the Lombardi Law Firm. We will assist you with your claim.
Steve Lombardi, Attorney