h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

I had a Worker's Comp hearing yesterday. They've *finally* closed my case.

It's very "interesting" how they calculate what your settlement will be. For instance, I've lost some function in my hand since the carpal tunnel surgery. The pain is better than it was before surgery (at least it doesn't hurt all the time anymore), but there are some things I'll never be able to do again. I can't hold a pen for long without pain, and I'm afraid the same is true for a paintbrush. On Thanksgiving, I found that I couldn't hold a knife for the amount of time needed to cut up the potatoes, and I couldn't peel them at all. Recreationally, I can't bowl, play volleyball, and it's painful to play croquet (which will surely effect my future in the business world). Others will surface as I try them, I'm sure. I don't have much strength using a pincer hold (I kept dropping the tarp we were using to cover our stuff in the rain at the yard sale). I can make a strong fist, though. My doctor said I lost 15% use of that hand (which is what NY state Workers Comp rules say is the usual for post-carpal tunnel surgery). The Workers Comp doctor decided I only lost 7 1/2% use (of course, he didn't test me for the things that bothered me). To end it without litigation (I don't have a lawyer), the Workers Comp judge splits the difference. So, they decided that I lost 11 1/4% use of my right hand.

Apparently (according to NY state Workers Comp rules) different body parts are worth different amounts of lost work time. Using some bizarre formula, they figure out how many weeks of work time you'd lose over your lifetime because of your injury. They multiply this by the $400 a week they'd pay you if you were out to decide what your settlement is. Of course, they have to reimburse my employer who made up the difference in my pay while I was out those 11 weeks. In the end, losing full use of my hand is worth $3500. I'd rather have my hand back, thank you.

Oh, and it seems that their computer is also very confused by the fact that I got married in the middle of all of this and changed my name. I guess nobody's ever done that before. They'll *try* to cut me a check with my current name on it, but they can't guarantee it. *sigh*

The money's going into a Roth IRA, where it'll help to pay for medications I'll need in my retirement. Isn't it great how it all worked out?

Sounds horrendous.

I there is a reason, and it is probably money; but why don't they test just the functionality of your hand and determine loss according to the things you use it for and which the impairment makes difficult, rather than (what appears to be) arbitary assumptions?

Or have I just answered my own question?

Anyway I'm glad you are happy that it is finally over.

I would imagine, given the current working climate in the US, that the tests would evaluate a level of loss in a work environment. So the holding a pen bit would be relevant, but they probably don't care that she can't play volleyball. So loss of productivity is compensated (if you want to call it that), and loss of recreation isn't their problem.

...and if something isn't their problem, it's invisible

[Places a Somebody-else's-problem field around Shea's volleyball court and the potatoes on her plate]

I'm so sorry you've had to endure all of this, Shea.

I'm beginning to see a trend at my advanced age... that things are breaking more often than healing. What kind of dirty trick is this?

I think there should be a plan that when you hit 50, you get to trade in your old-jalopy body for a brand-new model, and you can select, color, style, and features to suit yourself --like if you want an optional third arm. Oh, and the new "Earthsuit" is waranted against any defects in workmanship or operation for the next 900 years or so.

Shea, how long did it take to settle the case?

I'm all for that plan! Especially being able to choose whatever features we want. I'd like to be tall, please.

I'd like to be invisible when angry people are storming around lookig for someone to hit .

You would think that they would consider the relevancy of your loss to your career field. It's hard to be an without the complete use of your hands. I can't imagine how aweful your loss is, Shea.

But, at least the worst is behind you and you can start to move forward now.
taffy!!!

Moving backward has its uses if you're a camera-shy celebrity who wants to foil paparazzi photographing you as you walk to your car. Walking backward to your car foils them .

Dearest Shea,

I had no idea that you were going through all these problems. I am so sorry that you have had to have such a horrid fight on your hands. It is amazing isn't it, the way the injuries to it's workers are so seldom recognised by big business.

I know that in the mining world, the unfortunate workers in asbestos mines were sent home with virtually nothing. Yet their poor lungs had become incapable of operating due to their work mining the asbestos.

Life is rather problematic here with my darling brother having suffered an enormous stroke last Thursday and he is still unconcsious. I have been to the hospital every day, but must now go and try and get a lift there.

with much affection to you and TJ

Christiane AR1

The U.S. is a special case. Workers are not the only ones who get the shaft. Tough drug laws and sentencing laws have pushed our prison population up so that it is the world's largest.

Shea, my grandmother had to have surgery for tendonitis that she got while working in a textile mill after World War II. My sister had a bad stretch of the same thing, from typing at her laptop. It's worse in some families than in others, but it's never good.

Also Ran, I wish I could wave a wand and make the Christmas season free from strokes and heart attacks and other devastating problems, but I can't . Actually, this time of year is *more* stressful because people are rushing around trying to "get ready", and the snow often gets in their way. I, for instance, am not at all ready.

I am deeply moved to hear of your brother's stroke, Also Ran1.

I pray that all will be well for him.

Sending my

I'm somewhat readier now, after a foray into the shopping jungle. Wish I had started earlier and bought everything online.
Actually, I'm writing a lot of stuff to give people, too, so that will count....

Dear Paul H and Avenging Washcloth,

Thank you both for your wushes for my David's health. I do not mean to cast a gloom on my dearest Shea's thread, but she knows me well (at least we have been friends ever since I first joined before her marriage to TJ).

David is still unconscious, but today we are going to have the results of the CAT and MRI scans.

I must ask someone to give me the words of Dylan Thomas poem which he wrote when his father was so ill. I suspect that darling David is going to leave us in exctly the same way. He acknowledges my presence by lifting his left hand when I ask him to do this.

Again thank you and goood wishes for a blessed Christmas.

Christiane AR1

This post has been removed.

I quoted part of that poem in my entry on Jane Tomlinson, bless her.

s all round.

Well done Shea on a successful outcome, how hard is it to make a cheque out to the correct payee?

How hard? If they don't really *want* to do it, it becomes hard

Ooops.

I keep forgetting about copyright violations. I quoted too much of that poem.

You'll find a link here... http://www.poets.org/viewmedia.php/prmMID/15377

You're forgiven, AW. Seventy years after the author's death, the poem enters the public domain. You may live long enough to see that time.

Let's hope not! I might wind up all gimpy like Shea.