Hurt OTJ

A while back,I had an on the job injury.I work local.I do drive but also work the dock loading.One day,while loading my trailer with a forklift,I needed to adjust the fork's to fit into a narrow pallet.Well,the fork blade fell off.The blade weighed about 80 lb's.It crushed my left hand,taking some fingers off also.I went to the hospital and then on to a specialist for more surgery.After 3 months,I was back to work on light duty.Two week's later I went back to regular duty.During the time I was out,I had my safety department call my house and numerous call's from the companies insurance carrier which supplied workman's compensation coverage for them.The safety department wanted to know when I would be back.The insurance company wanted to know how thing's were going and when I would be back.First off,your company has no legal right to your health records nor your condition other than you are fit to work.The only thing that they are entitled to is a valid DOT card and in your case,a return to work order,signed by your doctor that you are fit to work.If you are not fit to work in your previous capacity,they must find suitable work while you are on light duty.As far as the insurance company for the carrier,they also have no right to devulge any medical information concerning your case to your employer or to the public.However,they,as the insurance carrier,will have acess to any treatment that you are undergoing.If they do call your home,you need to tell them that you are still under a doctor's care,nothing else.It would also be wise of you not to discuss your condition with any employees or anyone connected to your employer.I live in NY state and the law's in your state might vary.Under NY state law,I can seek help with any doctor I choose.The insurance carrier has no say in this matter.Again,this is workman's compensation,not your regular health insurance plan through your work.Workman's compensation is a regulated state agency,visit their website.Never pay a bill connected to your injury,this is between the insurance carrier and any medical services you recieived.You don't pay a dime.Please ditch the "company doctor".He or She is proably not looking at your best interests,just the companies.You also entited to a weekly wage from the state and from your company for short term disabilty if your company has such a policy.If the problem does not get any better,you may be due compensation for long term effects from your injury from the insurance carrier.This option can be decided at a later date before a judge with the state agency and the companies insurance carrier.Be prepared ,if it reaches this stage you will need evidence supporting your claim.My injury was quite obvious,your's might need more evidence.A lawyer skilled in this line of law might be needed.