BEWARE OF
RADIO SHACK
I suffered an on the job injury while
an employee of Radio Shack in Wadsworth Ohio in August of 2005. A chair in the store office collapsed
resulting in my falling to the concrete floor.
As a result I suffered a herniated disk in my lower back. Prior to that time I was never late or missed
a day of work with the exception of a couple of weeks after having cancer
surgery. I returned to work three weeks
early. I was also one of the top performing
sales employees in the district in spite of being a part-time employee and
often placed in the top 10.
My doctor, as well as the doctor
Radio Shack sent me to, said I required surgery to repair the herniated
disk. The company refused to authorize
the surgery for over two years! Finally
I had the surgery after the Ohio Industrial Commission ordered Radio Shack to
comply. Prior to the surgery I was
unable to walk up stairs and could only walk a short distance with
assistance. Since the surgery I can now
raise my foot about 5 inches and walk with the use of a cane or walker for
short distances or an electric scooter for longer distances. Prior to the injury I could place my foot on
a desktop with ease. I routinely went on
10 mile hikes and enjoyed cycling, camping, and routinely climbed hundreds of
feet with relative ease. Now I can
barely climb a step stool.
Radio shack continues to deny all
requests for diagnostic test, treatment, rehab, or physical therapy. When I appeal their decision they continually
request a continuance for months and finally when a hearing is forthcoming they
then may agree to the consult or requested testing. I believe it noteworthy that I have never
lost at an Industrial Commission hearing.
During the nearly eight years since
my injury I have received no compensation for lost wages. I am fortunate in that I was receiving a
pension as a retired police sergeant when I agreed to work for Radio
Shack. My wife and I thank God for
that. How many people could go eight
years with no income!
If you are an employee of Radio Shack
or an individual contemplating employment with them, I urge caution as I have
been told that it is Radio Shack policy as a self-insured company to fight all
injury claims with the hope that the victim either becomes discouraged and give
up or die. I have been advised if it
were strictly a workers comp case it would have been settled years ago!
It should be noted that Radio Shacks
latest settlement offer is for me to accept 1500 dollars and no further medical
treatment and they will consider the case closed! What a joke.
My last MRI which Radio Shack did not pay cost over $3000.00! Again, be wary of
working for Radio Shack as they will treat you like a piece of trash if you are
injured on the job and then expect you to take yourself to the dumpster for
disposal!
Richard D. Reese
Email me wa8dbw@wa8dbw.com