Workers comp evaluation and private insurability

[free4now]

I injured myself a few months ago by accidentally shooting myself with a nailgun, while doing some volunteer work at a Habit for Humanity type construction organization on behalf of one of a homeowner to be. Because the homeowner was receiving pay for my work, I was considered an employee, so I'm covered by workers comp.

The injury (puncture about 1/4" into my palm, likely near the tendons) has healed up and I no longer feel any pain or limitations, three months later. However the healing was slow and there was pain in my wrist for a couple of months after the injury, especially when supporting my weight on that hand as during a pushup or doing things that required high grip strength.

I recently received a notification from the workers comp adjuster saying I have the opportunity to request a QME, Qualified Medical Evaluation, to determine whether I am permanently disabled by this injury. It would be free, and provided by my choice of three doctors they give me.

I'm thinking that requesting this evaluation is a good idea. I'm currently paying for my own insurance (an Anthem HSA) because I'm FIREd, and I'm very aware of trying to make sure I don't do anything that makes me less insurable. I figure the most likely outcome is that the QME finds me not permanently disabled. That seems like a good thing; if this ever comes up while I'm applying for insurance in the future I can show them that determination.

Because there are so many gotchas in these matters, I figured I'd post and see if any of the health/insurance whizzes on this site know of anything I should be careful of. FYI this is in California.

[Shredder]

Quote:

Originally Posted by free4now I injured myself a few months ago by accidentally shooting myself with a nailgun, while doing some volunteer work at a Habit for Humanity type construction organization on behalf of one of a homeowner to be. Because the homeowner was receiving pay for my work, I was considered an employee, so I'm covered by workers comp. The injury (puncture about 1/4" into my palm, likely near the tendons) has healed up and I no longer feel any pain or limitations, three months later. However the healing was slow and there was pain in my wrist for a couple of months after the injury, especially when supporting my weight on that hand as during a pushup or doing things that required high grip strength. I recently received a notification from the workers comp adjuster saying I have the opportunity to request a QME, Qualified Medical Evaluation, to determine whether I am permanently disabled by this injury. It would be free, and provided by my choice of three doctors they give me. I'm thinking that requesting this evaluation is a good idea. I'm currently paying for my own insurance (an Anthem HSA) because I'm FIREd, and I'm very aware of trying to make sure I don't do anything that makes me less insurable. I figure the most likely outcome is that the QME finds me not permanently disabled. That seems like a good thing; if this ever comes up while I'm applying for insurance in the future I can show them that determination. Because there are so many gotchas in these matters, I figured I'd post and see if any of the health/insurance whizzes on this site know of anything I should be careful of. FYI this is in California.

I would see a lawyer beforehand to advise. Comp laws can be complex and if you want to cross all T's and dot all I's, see the man.........shredder