Legal Question in Workers Comp in Illinois

Insurance Adjuster's Authority relied on

I injured my back in ''99'' after getting my own doctor it was recommended I recieve epidurial steroid injections. this treatment was stalled by the adjusters non response for over 13 months. The adjuster never sent me to an IME doctor and I find out that my treating Dr. has done IME work for the insurance company in the past. After finally recieving the shots it was determined to late to do any good and now I needed surgery, which took another 22 months. The doctor repeately requested the treatments both shot and finally surgery in letters to the adjuster which went unanswered. The doctor wrote a letter in which he states ''do to the length of time this injury is now pernament.'' I am pro se and have asked that the contract and or insurance policy be placed into evidence in order to prove 19(l) and 19(k) unreasonable and vexatious delays in medical treatment along with the numerous times the insurance company stoped my checks. My question is where does the Adjuster aquire his authority to counterman my doctors orders without using IME doctors or house doctors. Its not in the Workers Comp. Act is it in the policy or contract the carrier has with my employer?


Asked on 10/04/04, 1:34 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Nima Taradji Taradji Law Offices

Re: Insurance Adjuster's Authority relied on

The insurance adjuster sole purpose is to shortchange you. Their authority comes from the fact that they work for the insurance company and their arrogance in thinking they know better than the doctor and counting on people not to talk to a lawyer and have their rights asserted in a timely fashion.

You must speak to a lawyer IMMEDIATELY. You have a very limited time to file a claim of worker compensation (although you don't mention it, I gather that is the case?) and if you do not meat your deadlines, you may be out of luck.

You can call my office-Consultation is free- or you can call another lawyer, but you must have your case examined to see whether you still can make a claim and take these people to Court.

Good luck,

Nima Taradji

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Answered on 10/04/04, 7:22 pm


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