Treehumper down and getting back up.

Went well. Climbed 4 trees, red maple, black locust, pin oak and a norway maple. Done by 2. My arms were tired. I think that was from compensating in a couple of scenarios where I would've used my right foot with a lot of force on it.
 
A follow up....
I received a letter from the WC insurer yesterday. It's a summary of the benefits paid to date. I thought this really puts into perspective both the value of the insurance and the costs of an accident.

Medical: $140,210.01
Temporary benefits: $42,150.00

A note on the medical paid out. This represents their rates not what was billed. That would be double if not triple this amount.

I'm not finished yet. I'm back for some PT and will be going to a pain management specialist. So that number will rise some more.
 
Wow. I was having a conversation about workman's comp claims today and the person I was talking to was wondering how much an extensive claim, something like yours, might cost an employer. Do you have any idea, in terms of dollars or premium increases, what your claim cost your employer?
 
rockettree said:
Wow. I was having a conversation about workman's comp claims today and the person I was talking to was wondering how much an extensive claim, something like yours, might cost an employer. Do you have any idea, in terms of dollars or premium increases, what your claim cost your employer?
Click to expand...
The cost to the employer would be an increase in their rate, so actual costs would vary wildly depending on a lot of factors. We currently pay about 18% of payroll... With a company of four people on the policy. So my costs would be different from a company with 10, 20 or 50 employees. There is a scale and equation as well for these factors, which makes the answer to your question somewhat impossible.

Tom
 
18% is pretty fair from what i've read about other states. I recall some one saying they pay something like 30%. How can you even function as a business?
 
The rate did go up. It's over 30% now. While that may seem high, consider what would've happened if there was no WC. When I look at the EOBs (explanation of benefits) I received, there is a significant difference in what was billed and what the insurer actually paid. Eg., the private room that alone cost $11000 that the insurer didn't pay. I would estimate that the total medical bill would've been easily 3 times that amount. The reality would have meant lawyers being involved and adding to the expense. It would have been ugly. So the premiums are really not that significant in comparison. Not cheap by any means but, that is a cost built into the overhead and accounted for in pricing. It's the cost of doing our business and thus one borne by those that hire us to take that risk. Risk of any kind adds premiums to services. Just look at the premium one pays when they are considered a high risk borrower. We and our clients live with this notion every day. So, if your premiums go up for whatever reason that is a cost passed on. Believe me, every other business does it.

As for 18%, that is a great deal.
 
CreTree said:
18% is pretty fair from what i've read about other states. I recall some one saying they pay something like 30%. How can you even function as a business?
Click to expand...
Ground guys get 12-15$ climbers 15-25$... that's how it works around here. I would guess the average pmh around $75 in my area.
 
treehumper said:
A follow up....
I received a letter from the WC insurer yesterday. It's a summary of the benefits paid to date. I thought this really puts into perspective both the value of the insurance and the costs of an accident.

Medical: $140,210.01
Temporary benefits: $42,150.00

A note on the medical paid out. This represents their rates not what was billed. That would be double if not triple this amount.

I'm not finished yet. I'm back for some PT and will be going to a pain management specialist. So that number will rise some more.
Click to expand...
So WC paid all of that?
 
Dave Rohach said:
Glad to hear that you were covered, wish you a speedy & full recovery! Our thoughts are with you! Get well, physically & mentally!


Dave6390 in WI
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Thanks Dave. I'm back to work and functioning though not at 100%. Every now and then I have to consciously reassure myself on a climb. Next on the agenda is an appointment with the WC's doctor now that my surgeon is done with me.
 
Unfortunately my WC took 3 months to authorize the MRI and Neurosurgeons advice, turned out that I had 2 crushed and 1 shattered discs in my lower cervical spine, putting pressure on several nerves and severing 2 of them. Now I have titanium and cadaver bones holding my lower neck in alignment. This was CA! In '03... So I can appreciate the will it takes to get back at it! Best of luck!


Dave6390 in WI
 
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