I went to the AALIW (Arizona Association for Lawyers representing Injured Worker's) meeting last night. Judge Turney was there to discuss Motions to Compel. Basically, she said that she does not like to grant such motions unless they are absolutely ridiculous. She will make every effort to allow the insurance company the right of examination, but is willing to make accomodations, if necessary.
Judge Turney also told us that Larry Etchechury is retiring. Who will take his place? Judge Turney would be great, as would Laura McGrory. Its got to be a tough job, but Larry has been great. He has a great philosophy and work ethic.
Judge Turney also said that she somehow got approval to hire a new Judge and legal assistant for the ALJ's. She's hoping to hire someone with Workers' Comp. experience. I'm sure she'd love to discuss the job requirements with anyone interested! It would always be interesting!
Friday, September 26, 2008
Wednesday, September 24, 2008
New Worker's Comp. Laws Proposed
While it may seem like it is still summer, the SCF Arizona, the Industrial Commission of Arizona, and other worker's comp carriers are busy proposing legislation for the Arizona Industrial Commission. I have been advised that there is a proposal to change Arizona Revised Statute Section 23-908. This is part of the Arizona Worker's Compensation Act and would be a major change to our worker's comp medical benefit system. This proposal changes the way an injured worker may be treated immediately after an injury occuring at work.
According to the proposal, the employer or the workmans comp insurance company may designate a physician to examine and RENDER NECESSARY TREATMENT or other medical benefits for a PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SIXTY DAYS...! Furthermore, the sixty days would not start until the date of the injured worker's first medical exam. The proposal goes on to state that if that physician chosen by the insurance company recommends treatment or another examination, the changing of doctors SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION of the employer or insurance company.
The only way to change doctors if the insurance company rejects your choice would be to go to the Industrial Commission of Arizona and show that there is a "reasonable ground" to believe that your life, health or recovery is endangered or impaired by the doctor chosen by the insurance company. This removes the worker's right to pick his own doctors and choose the direction of his treatment. Until now, only self-insured carriers could direct treatment. This would open it up to all insurance carriers.
This cannot be good for injured workers. Hopefully, the labor unions and lobbyists for workers will see this proposal and stop it before it moves anywhere and before it takes any shape.
According to the proposal, the employer or the workmans comp insurance company may designate a physician to examine and RENDER NECESSARY TREATMENT or other medical benefits for a PERIOD OF NOT LESS THAN SIXTY DAYS...! Furthermore, the sixty days would not start until the date of the injured worker's first medical exam. The proposal goes on to state that if that physician chosen by the insurance company recommends treatment or another examination, the changing of doctors SHALL BE SUBJECT TO THE APPROVAL AND AUTHORIZATION of the employer or insurance company.
The only way to change doctors if the insurance company rejects your choice would be to go to the Industrial Commission of Arizona and show that there is a "reasonable ground" to believe that your life, health or recovery is endangered or impaired by the doctor chosen by the insurance company. This removes the worker's right to pick his own doctors and choose the direction of his treatment. Until now, only self-insured carriers could direct treatment. This would open it up to all insurance carriers.
This cannot be good for injured workers. Hopefully, the labor unions and lobbyists for workers will see this proposal and stop it before it moves anywhere and before it takes any shape.
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
Welcome to Our Blog
If you were hurt on the job, the Workers' Comp. attorney you choose to represent you should diligently protect your rights. At the Crossman Law Offices, we practice Worker's Comp. law exclusively. Our firm lawyers are certified by the State Bar of Arizona as Workers' Compensation Specialists based upon experience, ability, and professionalism. We represent injured workers all over arizona. We know these are tough times, we promise to devote our full attention to your legal problem. http://azworkinjury.com
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