Neurologist selected by Travelers accused of providing false information in workers’ comp matter that led to denied benefits.
We saw an article about a man living in Florida who was seriously injured in a workplace explosion but could not get needed medical care. He reports concussion-like symptoms including headaches, insomnia, fatigue, depression, anxiety, light sensitivity, nausea, blurred vision, hearing loss, and tinnitus. He was sent to a neurologist selected by Travelers who prescribed him medications and recommended pain management. Now that doctor is being accused of providing false and misleading information to Travelers which allowed the company to deny benefits.
We think this article is a must read for anyone dealing with workers’ comp. Michigan law does not allow a person to select his or her own doctor for 28 days. Our experience shows individuals get sub-par care during this time.
Michigan law also allows the insurance company to get an independent medical examination (IME). These IME doctors are handpicked by the insurance company and make careers out of testifying against people. We hear stories of IME doctors taking less than five minutes in the exam room and not even making eye contact. Workers’ comp benefits are disputed based upon these written reports.
We tell our clients to get ready for a fight if they have been scheduled for an IME. The insurance company is looking for some reason to dispute the claim. Excuses range from preexisting conditions to no evidence of disability. It is critical to hire a workers’ comp lawyer at this stage as biased medical opinions can be challenged in court.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.
Related information:
Why do we call them “independent” medical examinations?
Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Yazuu.
