Case Summary : Decision-Making Process

Young worker with a permanent impairment

A young worker contacted the Commission with concerns about the WSIB’s lack of communication and the decision-making process in his claim. The worker suffered a partial amputation of his middle finger while he was using a saw at work. It took six weeks for the worker’s loss-of-earnings (LOE) benefits to be processed, and he was never contacted in person by his adjudicator. The worker felt he was being forced to return to work that was not suitable and that his adjudicator was not listening to his concerns. By the time he called the Commission, the worker had developed an infection at the wound site but was unable to reach anyone at the WSIB to inquire about further benefits.

Because of the seriousness of the worker’s injury and his young age, the Commission contacted the assistant director. The following then happened:

• The nurse case manager became involved and arranged for a priority referral to the WSIB’s hand clinic. The clinic confirmed the worker had return-to-work (RTW) restrictions and recommended physiotherapy and a functional restoration program.
• The worker received LOE benefits for the recurrence of his injury.
• The WSIB obtained all outstanding medical evidence.
• Once the worker completed his rehabilitation program, an RTW specialist visited the worksite to help the employer and worker find suitable modified work.
• The worker returned to modified work.

The worker said to the Commission, “I finally feel like someone cares.”

(December 2008)