What to do if the doctor says that I may not be able to do my job anymore due to work-related injuries?
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What to do if the doctor says that I may not be able to do my job anymore due to work-related injuries?
I’m 55 years years old and a commercial plumber; I’m in a union. I got laid off about a month ago and while off i went to the doctor because the pain in both wrists has become unbearable; it makes doing my job dangerous for me and my co-workers. The doctor says that need both wrists operated on. So I filed for SDI. However, I only qualify for $365 a week and it runs out in about 2 months (I didn’t work the 2 years prior to this year because of work being slow i guess this why I get the minimum amount). These injuries occurred over the course of 20 years because of the type of work that I do. I can’t believe after 38 years that’s all I get. – 2 months of SDI. Should I have made this a workman’s compensation claim? If so, can I change it?
Asked on November 2, 2013 under Employment Labor Law, California
Answers:
Anne Brady / Law Office of Anne Brady
Answered 11 years ago | Contributor
Yes, this should have been a worker's compensation claim from day one because you were injured on the job. The problem will be that it occurred over the course of so much time and probably multiple employers. Fortunately you have your union. Go to your union representative and explain your situation. He should help you apply for worker's compensation benefits.
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