It's no secret that the process of trying to secure much-needed workers' compensation benefits can be rather confusing and even somewhat frustrating. However, it's important to remember that this confusion and frustration -- perhaps caused by medical exams, paperwork, complex legal language, etc. -- is likely only temporary and that an experienced legal professional can help guide you through the entire process.

It's also important to remember that California certainly isn't the only state where injured workers encounter confusion and frustration.

To illustrate, consider a recent case out of Arkansas, where a woman who suffered a knee injury on the job and is currently receiving work comp benefits is unable to secure a new treating physician.

According to reports, Laura E. requested a change of physician back in the fall of 2011. While such a request is permitted under Arkansas' law, work comp recipients are only allowed to change their physician once.

Sadly, Laura E.'s new physician passed away this past December, leaving her without a physician to provide the necessary level of treatment.

She then submitted another request for a change of physician but was denied by the Workers' Compensation Commission, which wrote "we cannot approve another change in this claim. We are constrained by the law."

Consequently, Laura E. is in a self-proclaimed "workers' comp limbo."

Fortunately, it does appear that some sort of solution is in the works. However, the timetable for this solution is less than desirable.

"There seems to be maybe at least some administrative impediments to getting that order entered," said Alan McClain, Chief Executive Officer of the Arkansas Workers' Compensation Commission. "But practically speaking she should be able to see a doctor really soon and we can facilitate that communication...it could take six months. But that's the long end of it. It would probably be closer to three months."

It is worth noting that Laura E.'s attorney has indicated that over 100 injured employees are currently in the same situation as his client because of denied "change of physician requests."

Stay tuned for further updates on this intriguing workers' compensation story from our San Diego firm ...

If you have questions or would like to learn more about workers' compensation benefits, contact an experienced legal professional.

This post was for informational purposes only and is not to be construed as legal advice. Names have been withheld to protect the identity of the parties.

Source:

Today's THV, "Workers' Comp won't allow [woman] a new doctor, even after hers dies" Jan. 11, 2011