Legal Question in Workers Comp in Arizona
Should I secure legal counsel for future; do I have a case
I have kept records of all interactions since the date DOI on Novemeber 22, 2004. Construction (paving) worker injured back. Followed all procedures, sent to company recommended physician who returned me to work (light-duty) with no other examination tools other than visual observation. I raised concerns with employer regarding quality of care (or lack thereof) and was told that I can not 'doctor jump''. Contacted ICA and was informed of procedural process. Two weeks later, after employer informed many co-workers that I was on 'light-duty' as I had difficulty with Dr. X, who was then exalted as a 'fantastic, competent physician and it is hard to understand that Dr. X would--name removed--seen otherwise--name removed--an employee''. After being verbally degraded--name removed--Dr. X I was finally referred to a specialist {orthapedic surgeon) who IMMEDEATELY removed me from all work detail pending the results of an MRI. Due to MRI results, referred to a spinal specialist and diagnosed with a herniated disc. Following attempts to alleviate the injury underwnt a partial microdiscectomy on Jan 25, 2005. So far so good. Insurance carrier being extremely cooperative presently but Dr RX-no return to genreal labor. Do I need you?
1 Answer from Attorneys
Re: Should I secure legal counsel for future; do I have a case
Great question! It sounds to me like your employer is pretty typical: they are ignorant of your rights and of what is good for them. If they were smart, they'd do everything in their power to get you better faster, and it's a proven fact that patients do better when they trust their doctors.
You can hire an attorney now to merely monitor your case. I usually do so for a nominal fee. It sounds like you will have a permanent impairment of your spine, but it's too soon to know if you'll have a permanent disability (loss of earning ability.) If you feel that you will be able to return to making as much as the Average Monthly Wage that has been set on your case, then you might not need a lawyer at all.
Consultations at my office are always free. You can reach me at 602-253-1789 or 800-863-4449.
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