California Workers’ Compensation
I’m AJ (not my real name) and I want to tell you briefly my story.
I am 37 and have worked in clerical positions most of my career. In my last job I worked as a secretary for more than 8 years.
After about 7 years I started having problems with gripping and carrying any weight with my hands. At first I figured it was just muscle soreness or fatigue; you know something that would pass. But it didn’t.
As the weeks progressed so did my symptoms and ultimately pain. The pain would radiate from my fingers up my mid-forearm as I typed or did my work. I took pain killers, but it was just temporary relief. Finally the day came when I couldn’t even carry a gallon of milk. I knew something more was wrong.
“It feels good to be treated like a human after the way the insurance company handled me like a laundry listed numeric code.”
I went to my doctor and he said that I likely had carpal tunnel syndrome from work. I was surprised because I took my breaks and would even sorta grip my hands and stretch as needed. You know, when they felt tight. The CTS was confirmed with diagnostic testing.
The doctor gave me a slip and I reported the CTS to my boss. That was the start of everything. My employer didn’t have modified work. I was off work for weeks without a paycheck as my claim was denied. I needed help. Fast.
I looked online and found RP Law Group, Raj Patel’s office, and called. The girls got me a quick appointment and made me feel at ease when I came in. But it was Attorney Patel’s attitude of fighting for me that made me certain I was in the right place. I found out that RP Law Group does only workers’ compensation. Unlike some other firms, this firm does not practice a wide variety of law, they practice only workers’ compensation law/employment law.
Mr. Patel sat down with me and explained what kind of injuries I have sustained. It turns out I sustained a cumulative trauma injury of which I didn’t understand before. Then, Mr. Patel explained what temporary disability is and what kind of medical treatment I will get. He also explained what Utilization Review is and how challenging it is to get medical treatment approved. I realized very quickly that singlehandedly I could not have managed and navigated the insurance company’s regulations. I want people to understand that it is very complicated. With RP Law Group I spoke with an attorney the same day I called them. When I signed up the case Attorney Patel sat down with me and articulated all that I would be facing and how the case would proceed.
MR PATEL ALSO EXPLAINED THAT THERE IS A LOT OF FRAUD IN WORKERS’ COMPENSATION AUXILIARY SERVICES, RUNNERS, CAPPERS, AND APPLICANTS MAKING MATERIAL MISREPRESENTATIONS. HE LITERALLY READ THE DISCLOSURE TO ME SO THAT I COULD BE AWARE.
Raj Patel fights aggressively for me every step of the way. Sure there are times it is difficult to reach him with his schedule, but he always got back to me. I am not just a name on a piece of paper; I am AJ with CTS who needs treatment. That feels good to know. It feels good to be treated like a human after the way the insurance company handled me like a laundry listed numeric code.