RN fighting workman’s comp - trying to survive

Hi. My name is Darcy Williams. I am feeling very frustrated, and asking for help.

I am a Registered Nurse that was injured while on a travel assignment in NY.

It's been almost 2 years and Workman's Compensation has declined procedures that need to be done, minimal 3 times, to alleviate the pain i'm in on a daily basis. My "compensation" from said insurance company (at 100% disability) is less than 25% of what I was earning at the time of injury. NY state has a maximum benefit of 2 times minimum wage, just a heads up for anyone in a professional, career choice role.

As a single income household (woman), being an advocate for yourself is not enough.

In November 2021, I was injured due to the lack of accountability NY state gave to all hospitals, including St. Lukes Cornwall.

What should you do as a healthcare worker when you're working under unsafe conditions with a Union?

Contact NYSNA and file a complaint, over and over and over again.

Hospital Response: We are in the middle of a pandemic.

Rules no longer apply to facilitate safe staffing conditions.

Sorry you got hurt, here's a quarter. By the way, you cant sue St. Lukes even though the administration knowingly put you in harms way. The pain, suffering and financial difficulties in the future from your injury is not St. Lukes problem.

My injury is to my dominant arm. I have calcific tendonitis in my rotator cuff. I am unable to lift anything more than a jug a milk without shooting pain and anything above my head is out of the question. The only position that is truly comfortable is behind my back with left hand holding my right arm.

My last requested medical intervention, was denied. A less than 30 minute procedure to improve my quality of daily living. That was in early June- denied. I saw my ortho surgeon again end of June, whom put in another request for procedure - denied. I went to court on September 14th - the judge agreed with insurance company and denied my procedure that was recommended by 3 Orthopedic Surgeons.

The insurance company canceled my scheduled IME (a Doctor the insurance company chose to evaluate me) on the 18th of this month and cancelled payments to me 3 days before they filed an appeal to the court on the 19th (last day to file) No notice was given to me or my attorney. I will have little to no income over the next month, while waiting on a hearing.

Did you know college costs go by what you made 3 years ago? I wrote a lovely letter to the college asking for financial assistance for one of my children due to change in circumstances. The college accepted the change in circumstances but did not cover all expenses. In order for my transdaughter to get her dormroom key I had to sign an agreement stating the college would take ~$2000 out of my checking account each month until paid.

That sounds reasonable, right?

For a single income home, having financial difficulties. As I was signing the papers at the college, the man that presented them to me said "Oh, yeah the last guy in here was making a 6 figure salary and now works at Stewarts"

I have been providing for my children since 2005. It has been a struggle but I have always figured out a way to make it work. This past Friday I hit a wall. All of my resources have been exhausted. I am hoping that my transaction with Carvana will go smoothly on Tuesday to pay for essential expenses.

I enrolled in a course called SpinalFlow. It is a way for me to expand my knowledge of the body's own healing properties between our nervous system and spine - attempting to take my career in a new direction. Sadly, I am unable to continue payment for the education. This past year has been very trying for me. I worked hard to buy the home i am currently living in. On top of college expenses my mortgage went up $600 PER month for taxes. I am currently 2 months behind

Any help is welcomed.