NYC DOE help!

Please don't quote.

On my seventh day with the DOE, I slipped on a puddle created by a leak in the ceiling. I landed with my ankle underneath me. My ankle's swollen, but nothing major - I'll be fine shortly.

I was sent home yesterday to go to the doctor. The doctor said I needed worker's comp info since it occurred at work. Then I found out that we don't even get worker's comp - I'd need to have them bill my insurance company as if it was personal, and then get reimbursed.

Honestly, I'd go back to work tomorrow if I didn't have almost a one mile walk from the parking facility to my classroom (I teach on Riker's Island.) Because of the pain in my ankle and foot, I'd like one more day.

HR connect described the process to me to get reimbursed for my time and doctor visit and indicated that one of the forms is online, but I couldn't find it.

Anyway, I am thinking about just taking today and tomorrow as personal sick days. I don't really care about them coming out of my bank, because I will never use 10 sick days by the end of the year. I don't want to actually go to the doctor, because I don't need to and I don't want to have to shell out for it. (I'm on DH's insurance and we'd have to shell out some money.) I know I can't apply for a line of duty injury without going to the doctor.

Anyway, can I use two sick days so soon? What is the process for taking sick time? Do I call my payroll secretary? Part of me feels like an azz taking time this soon but it should really be line of duty anyway - I just can't be bothered with the procedures. If the facility wasn't so dilapidated, I would be fine right now.

TIA!

Re: NYC DOE help!

I know its a pain in the a@@ but GO TO THE DOCTOR! And take it as line of duty. It's never good to play the hero. I personally know of too many teachers who have been injured on the job and tried to suck it up without going to a doctor or filling out the proper forms only to have long term problems from the injury pop up later on. Now they can't do anything to help themselves because they didn't follow proper procedure. One girl hurt her shoulder from a slip and fall and 2 years later needed surgery because of that injury. Another girl I know has horrible back problems and cant get reimbursed for any of the physical therapy she now needs. I know it only seems like a sprained ankle but you never know.

That being said, if I didn't convince you, you should contact your payroll secretary to let her know you will be out sick for 2 days. If there's a different procedure or person to call she will let you know. Also it's never "too soon" to take off. When you need them, you need them. That's what they're there for.
By the way, don't be so sure you won't need your full 10 days. Stuff happens.

Good Luck! and Feel Better!

Re: NYC DOE help!

I had a LOD injury three years ago. I didn't file for workman's comp- but the ER gave me a document stating that I needed x number of days off (I forgot how many- 2 maybe). Then I got stuff from my insurance company because they wanted to go after the city for the cost of my treatment.

So I *think* they may be separate issues- the absence would be excused because it is LOD and you have a doctor's note, then ultimately reimburing whoever is through insurance, etc.

But I would also check with the union.