Janet, a 53-year-old flight attendant, was on a routine flight from Dallas to Orlando on March 3, 2024, when her life took an unexpected turn. The flight hit severe turbulence while she was in the galley preparing the snack and drink cart. With the seatbelt sign off, Janet was thrown to the ground, then violently tossed to the ceiling, and finally back to the floor, where the cart fell on top of her. To make matters worse, a passenger was thrown out of the restroom and landed on Janet. The plane made an emergency landing in New Orleans, and Janet was rushed to the hospital.
After the injury
In the emergency room, Janet underwent a series of X-rays and CT scans, revealing two fractures in her pelvis, a fractured right elbow, fractured ribs and a fractured left wrist. Her right elbow was set in the emergency room before she was moved to an inpatient room.
The next day, a Careworks field nurse case manager (FCM) was assigned to Janet’s case. The FCM contacted Janet and her spouse, explaining her role and the plan to restore Janet’s injuries well enough to travel home to a different state. Janet spent the next 10 days in the hospital, enduring excruciating pain rated at a 10 out of 10, despite medication. Mobility was a significant challenge due to her pelvic fractures, which made walking impossible.
A collaborative plan was devised by the FCM, physicians, claims examiner, Janet and her spouse. Together, they decided that transferring Janet to a nearby inpatient rehab facility would be the best solution to help her gain the strength and mobility necessary to board a flight home. On March 14, Janet was transferred to the rehab facility, while the FCM worked closely with the claims examiner in Janet’s hometown to ensure a smooth transition.
Janet’s recovery
At the rehab facility, Janet worked diligently with physical and occupational therapists and aimed for a two-week discharge. However, the discharge process was complex. Janet’s mobility and pain management needed careful consideration, and medications had to be arranged for her travel and until she could visit a provider in her state. Medical records were sent to organized providers, and an FCM was arranged in her hometown. Arrangements were made for Janet’s home to be evaluated, and durable medical equipment was ordered and coordinated for delivery prior to her arrival. Transportation and flight arrangements were also set.
Remarkably, Janet was discharged from the inpatient rehab on March 23, five days earlier than expected. She was driven to the airport and flown home, where her care was taken over by the local FCM. Collaboration between the claims examiner and the FCM ensured Janet’s safe return home, allowing her to continue her recovery and eventually return to work.
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Injured employee’s name and details altered for privacy purposes