Posted by Katrina Paglierani on Tue, Jan 19, 2010 @ 11:06 AM
Depending on the laws in your particular state, you may be able to close your most expensive cases by using a job finding service. The examples below have been cleared of any and all personal file information and details.
Common case statistics:
Claimant is usually between the ages of 38 and 52, high school education, physically demanding or repetitive occupation, relatively high-paying blue collar occupation.
Common injuries are carpal tunnel, rotator cuff and lower back/soft tissue damage.
Average age of case from date of injury 2 years old. Usually released with restrictions 12 months or more.
Some examples of actual cases:
Actual Case A
State: Michigan
Male aged 46
Date of Injury: 12/03/07
Restrictions from IME: He is disabled for any job that requires the use of his left hand and his fingers for forceful grasping, climbing, pulling, lifting over 10lbs on a frequent basis or over 20 lbs on occasion. He is also disabled from work in cold environments or work that woulld result in vibrations to the left hand.
Industry: Construction
Education: High School Education, no computer skills.
Results After 8 weeks:6 interviews 3 attended 3 not attended We were informed that the claimant had accepted settlement.
Actual Case B
State: Texas
Male Aged 53
Date of Injury 2006
Restrictions from IME: injured lower back circa 2006 reached MMI in 2007
Industry: Construction
Education: High School Graduate
Results after 12 weeks: 8 Interviews attended: 2
Case was closed and settled favorably for the carrier after non- compliance was shown.
Actual Case C
State: Michigan
Female Aged 37
Date of Injury:1993
Restrictions from IME: Can return to sedentary work. Exerting up to 10lbs of force occasionally (i.e. activity or condition exists up to 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (i.e. activity or condition exists from 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) or lift, carry push, pull or otherwise move options. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.
Industry: Nurse's Aid
Education: High School Education, no computer skills.
Results after 10 weeks: 7 interviews 0 attended 7 not attended We were informed that the claimant had accepted settlement.
Actual Case D
State: Illinois
Male aged 53
Date of Injury: Nov 2006
Restrictions from IME: Lower Back injury. Permanent restrictions of no lifting more than 25-30 lbs with no repetitive bending, twisting or stooping.
Industry: Construction (foundations)
Education: High School Education, 2 years vocational mechanics school.
Results after 6 weeks:4 interviews 0 attended 4 not attended Case closed. Claimant was refusing to get back operation that would allow him to return to his former occupation as foreman. Back surgery scheduled.
Actual Case E State: Maryland
Male aged 34
Date of Injury: July 2008
Restrictions from IME: non-sedentary position, no jolting or vibration pressure to lower back.
Industry: Transportation (truck driver)
Education: High School Education
14 week results 8 interviews 3 attended 5 not attended. Spoke to Claims adjuster ,she said she was very pleased with the results and "got what she needed." No other details provided.
Actual Case F
State: North Carolina
Male aged 55
Date of Injury 2007
Restrictions from IME: No lifting above head of 50 lbs or more.
Education; High School Graduate
15 week results: He went to all of the first 10 before he stopped going. His attorney requested copies of each job notice prior to claimant going. Was reported by HR as poorly dressed on the interviews and not filling out complete applications.
We were informed case was settled.