Do I need a lawyer?

I live in Illinois. 5 weeks ago I injured my lower back at work while lifing a patient. I am a CNA and have been doing this job for 2&1/2 yrs. I went to my doctor Fri. 06/08/01.
She imformed me after reading the results from my MRI that I need to find another job that requires no lifting. I have been a CNA since 1983. This is my lifes work. I am very upset because I love my job and I make good money. My question is should I retain a lawyer due to my disability and possibility of having to be retrained for another job and the possibility of a decrease in my future wages? I don't even know if i can be retrained because I have chronic pain if I stand, sit, bend, lift.I am trying to get the case worker for workers comp to let me see a neurologist to do more test. If she refuses Is there any thing I can do? I need to see a specialist. Any help or advice would be appreciated.

WC

If your injuries are job related and your treating Physician's are willing to back you with documentation, then you have a compensation case.
Seek the following:

Compensation Attorney
Chiropractor, PC.
Physical Therapist, MD.
Physiatrist, MD.

NYSLaw

Thanks for the input.

Thanks NYSLaw,
My comp case worker has approved me to recieve physical therapy starting tomorrow. But she told me they was giving my case to a nurse that works for them,I should hear from her next Tuesday or Wednesday. They seem to be dragging their feet. Can I also sue them for not handing my case in a timely manner. I am in constant pain even taking several pain pills three times a day. I also was wondering what a physiatrist,MD was and how could they help me? any additional input would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again,
Rhonda
P.S. Should I contact my doctor for the documentation or should I have a lawyer do this?

WC

A Physiatrist is a Physical Medicine/Rehabilitation Doctor who's specializes in pain.
A Physiatrist, like a Neurologist, can also recommend MRI's scans.
There is no time limitation for dragging their feet nor is there any law that prohibits it.



NYSLaw

Thanks again

Thanks once again. I meet with the nurse who is assigned to my case today 6/29/01. Since P/T is not doing me much good she recomended that I go to St.Louis,MO. to see a Physiatrist. The nurse also explained what a Physiatrist does. I still have a guestion for you if you can answer it for me. Is it a normal practice for the Workers Comp. people to assign an outside person like the nurse whom I meet with to follow me to appoitments (doctors/PT). Or should I be concerned about this? Sorry for so many questions but this is all new to me.
Thanks,
Rhonda