AIG on ABC’s 20/20
AIG is the Defense Base Act (DBA) workers compensation insurance carrier for the Government. Basically they are supposed to cover you if you get hurt. For everyone who thinks AIG will take care of their loved ones or themselves if they are injured overseas has got to watch this special report on Friday April 17th at 10pm EST on ABC’s 20/20. I knew it was coming out, I just didn’t know when…. glad to see someone blowing the whistle on AIG and telling the stories of those battling them.
Blind Amputee Has to Fight AIG for New Plastic Leg, Wheelchair
While Executives Get Bonuses, John Woodson Gets “Cheapest They Could Get Away With”
By AVNI PATEL and BRIAN ROSS
April 16, 2009
An Oklahoma man who lost an eye and a leg in Iraq says the giant insurance company AIG refused to provide him a new plastic leg and fought to keep from paying for a wheelchair or glasses for the eye in which he has 30 percent vision.
“They bought the cheapest thing that they could get away with,” said 51-year old John Woodson, a truck driver for the KBR contracting firm who lost his leg when his truck hit a roadside bomb in Iraq.
“Everything’s been a struggle, a constant fight,” said Woodson, injured in Oct. 2004. “It’s been hell since.”
Watch 20/20 Friday at 10pm E.T. to see this joint investigation involving the Los Angeles Times and Pro Publica, a non-profit investigative group.
Woodson is covered by AIG under a government-mandated program that provides medical and disability benefits for employees working for U.S. contractors in Iraq and Afghanistan. AIG covers about 90 percent of the claims for overseas workers.
Woodson is one of a number of injured contractors whose alleged difficulties with AIG were examined in the joint investigation.
AIG said it could not discuss any specific case, but that it strives to provide “quality” care.
“We think we’re helping the military with out insurance program,” said AIG executive John Russo.
In Woodson’s case, when his fuel truck hit the hidden bomb outside Baghdad, he was blown through the roof of his cab and thrown about a hundred feet away, also damaging his back and breaking his pelvis.
Woodson says he was told by an AIG representative in the hospital that he would be fully covered by AIG, but that when he returned home, he quickly discovered AIG was prepared to challenge almost all of his medical needs.
AIG Refused to Buy Him a New Leg, Woodson Says
“I’ve had to argue for everything, you constantly stay on the phone, writing letters, e-mailing, trying to get things to happen,” Woodson said.
To cushion the impact on his injured back and pelvis, Woodsen asked AIG for a new plastic leg with a spring in the foot.
“It was just so painful just to walk,” Woodson said.
He says AIG refused to buy him a new leg, which he says would have cost about $8,000.
AIG also refused, he said, to provide him a water-proof leg so he could remain standing and take a shower.
U.S. military amputees are normally provided three different legs, to cover a full range of walking, showering and exercising.
In the end, Woodson says he thinks it was pressure from his lawyer and Sen. Tom Coburn (R-OK) that forced AIG to finally provide an improved leg, with replacement parts, but not a new one as his doctor had ordered.
Woodson’s lawyer, Toby Cole, says he sees a pattern of AIG “delaying and denying” claims from contractors injured in Iraq and Afghanistan.
“It’s difficult for me to think it’s anything but a concentrated effort just to ignore these guys,” said Cole.
In its statement, AIG says the “vast majority” of claims are “paid without dispute when the proper supporting medical evidence has been received.”
More than 30,000 contractors have filed claims for injuries suffered in Iraq and Afghanistan. More than 1,400 have died. (Click HERE to read original article and watch short video)
Thursday, April 16th 2009 at 10:58 am |
I hope the rest of the show is as good as this teaser.
We’re hoping to expose a fraudulent IME doc and a few other important issues also.
The taxpayer really needs to see how badly the injured contractors are being treated by AIG, CNA, their lawyers, and the Department of Labor.
Thanks as always
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Me too. So many people are fighting for their benefits.
Thursday, April 16th 2009 at 11:59 am |
Speak out people . . . we need more of the injured contractors speaking out, not just the drivers . . all injured contractors.
If we stay silent the big corporations win . .
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Here!! Here!!
Friday, April 17th 2009 at 5:20 am |
Is this the same AIG that got the bailout and paid themselves all those bonuses?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
YEP!
Friday, April 17th 2009 at 5:26 am |
oops, Guess the article and video answered my question. I heard previously on some websites that the hurt drivers were having problems trying to get benefits for their injuries. But didn’t know who the insurance company was.
Friday, April 17th 2009 at 6:53 am |
It would appear AIG is surfing the net to see who is posting the story!! They sure seem to be spending a lot of time here since I posted it. They could just take that money that they are spending trying to do damage control and just pay the claims!!
Friday, April 17th 2009 at 1:21 pm |
Its not like these guys are grabbing their backs and faking injuries. These are legit physical injuries. These people need their care and AIG should have to take that money from the bailout and use that to take care of these workers.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Yes Yes Yes Yes
Sunday, April 19th 2009 at 10:08 am |
Ms. Sparky,
What ever happened with the civilian workers families of those killed in Iraq?
Aren’t these families entitled to a certain amount of comp payments if someone is killed. I heard conflicting stories that KBR offered a 50,000 dollar life insurance policy (which wouldn’t support them very long) and then I heard they recieved the life insurance and half the persons wages for life.
My sister-in-law worked for a company that lost a worker in the oilfields (here in the states) and she stated that his wife recieved comp. payments after her husbands death.
So if a family is entitled to this also would it have gone through AIG?
Ms Sparky’s Response:
If I’m not mistaken there is KBR’s life insurance and then there is the DBA/AIG claim. Two different issues.
Friday, April 24th 2009 at 5:31 am |
Just so everyone knows. I have noticed that many of our sites have been only on the main pages. None have been on the major blog sites like Myspace and Facebook. As a young mom yes I am a facebooker. I have put cause site on there. It has only been up for a few hours but I am hoping since I sent out 100 invites and if everyone else sends out 10 we will get the word out more. I would love to get more stories, pictures, people leaving comments, and info to put on there.
My son and I have come up with a few other ideas are are hoping to get them in the works soon. Good luck all and hope to see you all soon.
http://apps.facebook.com/causes/275292/43977681?m=2bb70939
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Count me in!
Friday, May 22nd 2009 at 1:17 pm |
by the way I am in the middle of a workmans comp case I have gotten treatment from them but not seen payment as of yet but I just setteled they said it would take 2 to 3 months to get the money
I have a tougher case I had a nervous breakdown
Ms Sparky’s Response:
PTSD? Hope you are recovering.
Sunday, May 31st 2009 at 6:17 am |
KBR Supervisor . . good luck collecting your settlement . . keep us posted on how long it actually takes. Even though the judge or the DOL has approved the settlement doesn’t mean that the insurance company is going to pay it without a fight. Hope you have a good DBA attorney and are making progress in your recovery.
Wednesday, June 3rd 2009 at 5:28 pm |
I too was injured last August in Iraq. My injuries were well documented by the military and when I arrived back in the states. I was seen by two different doctors paid by AIG and they both verified my injuries. After 7 and a half months I was finally able to start treatment but still no monetary compensation. AIG was directed by the DOL to pay me but refused. Funny thing when I was injured in Iraq and contacted by the claims adjuster she warned me if I hired an attorney it will take a long time before I receive any money and so far she is right! My attorney is waiting on a hearing by a judge and he told me he is shooting for September but AIG will most likely push it back again. What is one to do? After nine months living on my savings (gone) and now my 401k. Can anyone help? Please I am open to any suggestions or tips?
Frustrated
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Go to this link: http://defensebaseactcomp.wordpress.com/ I am also going to send you some email addresses of people that can help you.
Good luck
Friday, June 19th 2009 at 1:14 am |
I was injured in Dec. Iraq. Same BS from AIG, looked at documents and said they would pay in Feb. as of yet no payment just passing files back and forth and empty promises.
I too have burned up all the savings.
These people should hang with Saddam.
I’d welcome suggestions as well.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
The Defense Base Act Blog is a great resource. Tell Marcie Ms Sparky sent you!!
http://defensebaseactcomp.wordpress.com/
Friday, June 19th 2009 at 4:05 am |
If your injuries are severe enough to keep you from working then make sure that you also file for your Social Security Disability. This is also a long drawn out process and your first attempt will be denied, but as my case worker told me, as soon as you get the denial contact and retain Binder and Binder to represent you at the next hearing. They do not charge you upfront, they take a portion of your back pay when approved. You can file your SSD application online at http://www.ssa.gov and contact B&B @ 800-362-6699.
Many of the injured contractors that I keep in touch with have received their SSD before receiving payment from their DBA claims.
If you have no income, check with your local Social Services (aka Department of Human Services) and see what benefits you may be eligible for from the state level. Foodstamps are better than nothing and some states have limited medical benefits, like doctor office visits and prescriptions.
Lastly, make sure you have a GOOD DBA attorney, there are a few out there that aren’t very highly recommended so be careful in who you choose.
If you have any further questions MsSparky will give you my email address and I will help you anyway that I can.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Thanks Krash!
Friday, June 19th 2009 at 9:02 pm |
Thanks Krash.
I called AIG adjuster today again and got the same empty promises. i did retain a DBA lawyer but not certain just how good he is.
In the meantime he sent me a file from a March decision with a DOL judge. The decision basically says you should get your average weekly wage calculated based on the wage at time of injury irrelevant to weather you have been on the job 2 months or 2 years.
If you need a copy email me and ill send it off.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
You would think after the hearing that they would be a little more service oriented!
Saturday, June 20th 2009 at 4:19 am |
Here is another news story about AIG
http://www.propublica.org/feature/foreign-workers-for-u.s.-are-casualties-twice-over-619
Ms Sparky’s Response:
I am going to contact Propublica and/pr the Department of Labor and see how many of KBR’s direct hire SCW injuries and deaths were reported the the Department of Labor. Like Andy Barsamian, electrocuted and died on November 13, 2005.
Sunday, June 21st 2009 at 7:50 pm |
duke xKBR: Have MsSparky give you my email address and I will help you with recommendations of DBA attorneys. I will remain neutral on this site and not mention names, but if you contact me directly, I will be more direct with information.
MsSparky: check out the Dept of Labor website . . they finally have some statistics posted on the injuries and deaths of contractors. Plus check out http://www.icasualties.org that site has more information than the DOL.
Ms Sparky’s Response:
Consider it done!! Thanks for that. I am investigating an electrocution that took place in 2005.
Friday, August 28th 2009 at 3:55 pm |
I have good dba lawyer I can give you his email
duke it takes over a year get through the case
I am finally getting my check next week
it took 8 months to settle then 2 for review
go apply for SSD first
i have been in a battle with them since 11/20/2007
now finally cleared to return to work
Thursday, October 15th 2009 at 2:35 am |
IS IT POSSIBLE THAT ALL OF US MIGHT GET TOGETHER AND DO A WALK-A-THON OR SOMETHING SIMILAR TO DRAW ATTENTION TO THIS? ABOUT ONE WEEK AGO-THE(10/03/09 ?) MILITARY VET’S HAD A BIKE RUN FROM SAN FRANCISCO TO L.A.- MEN AND WOMEN THAT LOST LEGS, ARMS, VISION, PTSD. ALTHOUGH WE ARE CIVILIANS – MANY OF US SUFFERED THE SAME TYPES OF INJURIES. MANY OF US ARE FORMER MILITARY TOO AND FEEL THE PRIDE OF WORKING WITH THE MILITARY IN IRAQ, AFGHANISTAN, AND OTHER COMBAT AREAS AROUND THE WORLD. PLEASE ANY FEEDBACK IS WELCOME
Thursday, October 15th 2009 at 3:50 am |
The AIG representative sounds like she’s been hanging around Heather Brown to long!!
Tuesday, June 29th 2010 at 4:54 pm |
I was on the Good Friday Massacre 9 April,2004, Position #6.
Have been on S.S.D.I. for P.T.S.D. which was awarded in 2007 retroactive to Demob Sept,2005.
Have been fighting A.I.G. with legal counsel for 3 years. Apply for social security disability payments so you have a stipend to hold you over for the long fight. Lucky my regular doctor encouraged me to do so.
Good luck.
God speed.
Tuesday, June 29th 2010 at 5:04 pm |
Thank you for taking one of the toughest jobs a civilian can do in theater. I wish you the best and hope you fully recover from the trauma, including the AIG ordeal.