Hip fracture workers compensation case, should we close it or keep it open?

Question

My husband broke his hip in his job in 2005. He went through a hip fracture fix surgery with three screws permanently stay in his body. The workers compensation company paid his hospital bills and physical therapy. He went back to his job as a stockroom technician half year’s late. He is still in pain, discomfort, walking awkwardly. He lost his flexibility. .

In state Illinois, we have to choose either close the case or keep the case open permanently when hits 3 years after the accident with the workers compensation company. If we agree to close the case, there will be a chance with no medical insurance cover the bill if anything wrong with his hip in the future. If we do not close the case, first, I do not know how difficult to argue that we have to keep the case opened; second, do we really need to do that.

We concern that his hip might broke in the same place again in the future, such as, when he is old, his hip disconnected because of bone losing (will this happen?), or be

Answer 1

I don't usually say " see a lawyer" especially when so many situations can be resolved by just sitting down and talking.
However, in a case like this, I just might say " see a lawyer." There's too much at stake to take the advice of someone who may be mean well, but really isn't that familiar with comp claims.

Don't use an ambulance chaser, someone whose office is somewhere between the court house and the emergency room.
Do you have an attorney who might have helped you with an estate settlement or purchase of property, someone you feel you can trust. I'd consider giving them a call.
If you do not have an attorney, call your county bar association.
I don't want to see you make a mistake.
Good luck.

Answer 2

If he is still in pain and walking awkwardly I would definately keep the claim open. He should go back to his docs for follow up with his complaints. He may need a second surgery or more physical therapy. I would see every specialist I can to find out why there is still discomfort.