There are many things I can say but I will get right to the point. 

I have been reading a lot lately about hidden pain that people feel and I can tell you first-hand how true this is anyhow you seem happy at time; when you feel like you are fighting the world on your own with no help in sight.

I often wondered why we see so many attorney commercials on TV but I know now. I was injured at work back in 2012 with a serious injury to my bicep in which the company and workman’s comp dropped the ball on getting me medical attention as soon as possible to get it repaired and I have a lifetime injury.

I did not consult a lawyer due to going back to work after six months of rehab. While being off I was paid through company with FMLA. I reinjured arm again in June 2015 and told the site leader and his response was your work comp case was still open.

In July 2016, after six months of waiting I had a second surgery that did not help the situation out. I was release back to work with 10-pound lifting restrictions and sat behind a desk recording numbers on a sheet for production. The company closed the doors in March 2017. 

I  tried consulting with several attorneys and nobody would take my case. I had an additional surgery in May 2017 on same arm for nerve damage. I contacted workman’s comp carrier and I was advised that no benefits would be available to me except medical payments and when I reinjured my arm in 2015 that another claim should have been open.

How am I supposed know that? 

I am sending this letter to the editor to warn people who try and do the right thing in life and be honest that if you get hurt on the job — a serious injury that will interfere with your life in the future — please consult with a worker’s comp attorney as soon as possible. A convicted felon gets better representation in getting a lawyer than an honest, hard-working person.

I am fighting the company’s workman comp provider as I write this letter. I have been waiting for three months now to get the OK to see a specialist to try and see if anything can be done for my arm.

My final words for honest, hard-working people, please consult with an attorney for advice and don’t make the same mistake that I did because it will change your life considerably and your family.

GERARD OLIVIER

JEANERETTE