To change treating physicians you need a referral from your current treating physician to a new treating physician. Sometimes your treating physician may to decline to do so, if this is the case, a request can be made to the insurance company. If the insurance company refuses your request, then…
Your treating physician’s opinion may used and considered as evidence to support your case, but an insurance company may base its decision on the opinion of another physician other then your treating doctor. The insurance companies call their doctors independent medical evaluators or IME doctors. This is common and can…
This is a tactic that workers’ compensation insurance companies use to defend against your Idaho workers’ compensation claim. The can require you to go see one of their doctors they refer to as independent medical evaluators or IME doctors. They can choose to use the reports generated by the IME…
Ratings can get a little complicated when converting into benefits. Ratings should be based on the body part closest to the injury and converted to the “whole person” percentage. There are set percentages that are designated for specific body parts, which then can be converted to a whole person impairment…
Usually the two impairment ratings are averaged pursuant to (IDAPA 17.02.04.281.02). If the matter goes to hearing the Idaho Industrial Commission will determine the impairment rating.
There are times where the insurance company will deny your Idaho workers’ compensation claim. To dispute this, you will need to file a complaint with the Idaho Industrial Commission. This will start the formal legal process to bring the issue to the Commission for hearing and decision. Mediation is also…
No there is no requirement to have legal representation to file an Idaho workers’ compensation complaint. These cases can get complicated and often confusing. Hiring an expert Idaho workers’ compensation attorney is a good idea, so that you may receive proper compensation. Contact me at 208-232-6101 or toll free at…
If proper filing and notice requirements have been met, there is no statute of limitations on medical benefits. In accordance Idaho code 72-706, if a lump sum settlement was reached and your medical benefits were not left open in your signed agreement that was approved by the Idaho Industrial Commission,…
By Fred J. Lewis Yes there is help! Often when someone is injured in an Idaho work related accident they lose earning capacity where that is due to restrictions, age, or impairment. Retraining services are available when ordered by the Industrial Commission or approved by the insurance company.…
By Fred J. Lewis Always try to protect your job first by making a request for unpaid time off under the Family Medical Leave Act (“FMLA”) even when you are on workers’ compensation benefits if it is legally available to you and your employer is bound by the FMLA. You…