Hurting and unemployed

I herniated 3 discs in my back while working as a milkman.
My last test in Aug.2000 was a Mylogram which also showed the herniations.I was told that a mylogram & ct scan were pre-op. tests.
A day or two after the tests the wc doctor said I had reached maximum medical improvement and to change careers.I
felt he was told by wc to release me no matter what the results were. Is this a common practice?
Since this time, I was laid-off from work since I was unable to do my normal job after 16 years in the industry.
I still have back pain (some days worse than others)and don't know where to go for further help.
1.Will wc pay the salary difference if I go back work
at a lesser paying job?
2.Will wc pay to retrain me?
3.Was I wrongfully terminated?
4.Most importantly do I have any options that I can
pursue.
Thanks,
Unemployed and hurting in (New Jersey)

[Edited by unemployed on 01-10-2001 at 01:49 PM]

hurting and unemployed

If you have a permanent impairment then you are entitled to benefits, but you need to consult a lawyer to get these. I'm pretty sure that the company doesn't have to pay the difference in salary if you take a lower paying job. As for retraining, I'm sure if there is such a thing as Vocational Rehabilitation in Michigan or not, but if there is, and you have an impairment, they will get you the training you need to be able to do a job within your limitations and they will help you to find a job. Talk to the Dept of Human Resources about this option. Good luck!