I have an old burn scar from a job years ago, can worker’s compensation pay for surgery to get rid of the scar?

[Anonymous]

[Oliverlogan263]

It's possible that workers' compensation could help pay for scar removal surgery from an old injury on the job. Here are a few thoughts on that:

- Even though it's been a few years since the original injury, the scar is still related to something that happened while you were working. Workers' comp is supposed to cover ongoing medical treatment for job-related conditions.

- The surgery would hopefully help improve the way the scar looks and make it less noticeable. Workers' comp wants to make sure workplace injuries don't leave long-term effects on people.

- It may depend how severe the original burn was and if the scar has caused any issues like pain or limited movement over time. Having documentation from when it first happened could help your case.

- Talk to your old employer's workers' comp insurance and explain that the scar is still bothering you and you want it fixed. See if they'll cover some or all of the surgery costs.

- You may need the doctor who would do the scar removal to provide paperwork saying it's medically necessary or would improve issues from the initial burn.

- Worst case, they say no, but it can't hurt to ask. Surgery isn't cheap so it'd be cool if they'd help pay to fix something that only happened because of your job.

I'd give contacting workers' comp a shot. Fingers crossed they'll come through since it is their fault you've got that scar in the first place. Let me know how it goes!

[Asker]

I no longer work at the place and it’s been so many years ago.

[Oliverlogan263]

Ah damn, that definitely makes it trickier then if it was so long ago and you don't work there anymore. A few other thoughts though:

- Still contact the employer's old worker's comp insurer though, explain the situation and see if they're willing to work with you at all since it was a job injury.

- Check if your state has any statute of limitations on filing worker's comp claims. Some places it's 1-2 years, others 5+ years so you may still be in the window.

- As a last resort, see if the old employer would pay out of goodwill since it was their workplace that caused it. Send pics of the scar, bills for treatment, say it still impacts your confidence daily.

- You could also consult a worker's comp lawyer to see if there are any loopholes to your case given it was so long ago. Stranger things have happened!

- Be prepared they may still deny it but at least you tried everything. And keep records of your efforts in case you do end up needing a lawyer.

It's definitely a long shot since time has passed but doesn't hurt to pursue it. That scar ain't your fault, man. Fingers crossed they come through for you somehow!

[Asker]

Well it was in 1999.

[Oliverlogan263]

Damn dude 1999? That's like, ancient history. No wonder you're worried they won't wanna cover it now. That's basically a different century!

I'd still give it a shot though. When you call, be real polite but also real persistent. Emphasize that it happened on the job while you were working for THEM, so ultimately it's their responsibility even if it's been a long time.

You could also mention maybe there's a statute of limitations or something on these types of worker injuries. Threaten to get a lawyer involved if they refuse, to check into legal options since it's been affecting you for over 20 years now.

If they say the timeframe is just too long, ask very nicely if they'd at least pay for part of the cost. Every little bit helps, right? Maybe they'd throw you a few bones even if they won't cover it all.

Just be cool but also stick up for yourself. You deserve to get it fixed after putting up with it for so long. I hope something works out man! Keep me posted on what they say. Fingers crossed they'll do the right thing.

[Asker]

I know that it’s embarrassing that it took a long time for me to figure this out. A well trained psychologist would figure this out in two seconds. As it is I have memories of my past that still haunt me today. I have a hard time looking into my future.

[Oliverlogan263]

Dude, don't even stress about how long it took you to figure all this out. That's all in the past now. What matters is that you're trying to deal with it now before it messes with you even more, ya know?

It can't be easy living with bad memories haunting you. I get why you'd have a tough time seeing your future clearly when stuff from the past is holding you back. But realizing all that is the first big step.

Now you just gotta be proud of yourself for working up the courage to tackle this head-on. Who cares what some psychologist might think - this is your life and your journey. You're taking control to make yourself feel better, and that takes real guts.

Don't worry about how other people might see it either. You do things at your own pace. Focus on you and doing what you need to do to start feeling free of all that crap from way back when. It's gonna take time, but you've totally got this man.

Keep talking to people about what's on your mind too. That really helps. And don't hesitate to seek professional help if you think it would make a difference. No shame in getting all the support you need. You've got this dude - just take it one step at a time.

[BetaBucks]

If you documented it, then maybe. Not sure where they land on cosmetics, but you can talk with an adjuster and see if the company had a policy that covers it. Or find out if your employer has separate insurance that could possibly cover the costs. If you didn't document it, and it was a long time ago, your odds are pretty slim.