I am writing on behalf of a co-worker. She is 59 years old, works as a support assistant at a hospital in PA. Back in 1996, she received a work-related knee injury, was seen at the time of the injury, has all documentation and x-rays, etc. Her knee has been getting progressively worse since then and she now requires a knee replacement. She was told by her supervisor that she would have to return to her (union) position within 3 months or the position will be posted as open. The health insurance at the hospital will cover 100% of the cost of surgery, but she does not have enough sick time saved up to take 3 months off from work. Effectively she will go some time without any money to pay her bills. She does not qualify for short-term disability, and long-term disability will not go into effect until 3 months after surgery, which is the same time-frame she needs to report back to work. Does she have any alternatives such as short-term SSDI, workman's comp, etc, so that she can receive some compensation to pay her bills? Thanks for any info / advice you can give.

If this was a work related injury it should be covered under workers compensation. When she originally reported the injury, did she report it as work related?

I have received inquiries so I am posting this as Information I am a Safety Engineer, OSHA Institute Accredited Instructor, R.N.,BSN with National Registry EMT Status I practice Nationwide I assist client who have been injured at work or in a personal injury accident with getting their claims resolved and as a Court Expert Basically I relate the safety issue /accident and how it occurred to the medical issue and explain to the insurance carrier and the courts why the medical care is nec and get that for my clients I do this nationwide I will work with any attorney that you have and also any insurance carrier that you have.
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My e-mail is LMay4111@aol.com My direct Phone Number is 217/390-4299 I have done this work for more then 30 years and have clients nationwide when calling afternoons and evenings are the best time to reach me I will be more then happy to answer any questions. People should take note that when I am asked a questions I will answer them in an e -mail or via phone I will/ can not post to a general board due to regulations governing Confidentiality and HIPPA However you the clients may post the information to the board if you wish to make your information public I am happy to assist anyone who requests or needs my assistance Most of my work comes through word of mouth The laws are fairly clear experts are not allowed to advertise thus you must contact me You may contact me via phone /e-mail and then we can talk about your specific situations Thanks for allowing me to answer your questions I do read your posts and the boards I have 30 years experience as a trauma Nurse and am familiar with all issues related to my professions as a Nurse
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She should be covered by workers comp or the employer's short-term disability program. Also, her union steward should be assisting her in getting this resolved.