Question
my fiance was hury at work by falling head first 6ft into a hole that was supposed to be fenced off and wasnt. he has been going to the doctor that the company goes through and he has been told it was a different problem both times. he was put on lite duty at work (10pounds)or less and having a hard time. does he have a right to get a second opinion, what should he ask for from the doctor he is seeing now? also they say his 8 vertabre is smashed flat on one side instead of being curved, can this be permanent? he is only 26....thank you

Answer
OK, Vanessa, let's see what I can find out.

This is the agency that administers workers comp in AZ : http://www.ica.state.az.us/workersCompensation/index.html

Claims Division
Phoenix: (602) 542-4661 / Tucson (520) 628-5181

So far looking at their website I would say they have more info for employers than for inhured workers!  That might be a good thing to point out to your state legislator...

What I am looking for is information on whether you can ask for a second opinion and how.  The best info I can offer is that you can always get a second opinion.. or a third or a fourth.  The issue is rather whether you will have to pay for it yourselcves.. and given the seriousness and potential permanence of the disabillity I would say this is not only a good idea, it is absolutely essential.  Especially since you have conflicting info from doctors, you need to go and het some authoritative information.  You want a doctor who will answer your boyfriend's questions about what the diagnosis is.. and the prognosis.. that is, what he can expect in the future and also what can be done to help him  medically.  It would be more expensive NOT to get more information since his future health may be at stake.

The other question is whether the workers comp people will jpay for and qualify him for medical expenses and lost wages based on a second opinion.  That I believe you need to call the number above for.   Ask what procedure there is for getting an "objective medical examination" and feel free to tell them that the two doctors he has seen heretofore did not give him the same diagnosis.  Tell them you want him to see a doctor who will also tell him what can be done to help him medically.

In case I have missed the mark entirely and you want to ask more questions or just bounce your thoughts off me, feeel free to write me directly at [email protected] .  Do be aware that I am an expert by virtue of being a professional writer on the topic of disabillities, among other things, who is also a disabled person herself (legally blind).  But I certainly can encourage and provide feedback for you as the girlfriend.  I am hearing a certain amount from you that you are worried about him, concerned that he will risk his furture health and that a permanent disability will be hard on him on other  levels.

I wish I could say more.. the info just isn't readily accessed on their web site.  It's very confusing.  You might want to drop your state legislator a note and mention that.. you pay for that site after all as a taxpater.

Good lluck.. I know this can be really scary.

Nan (in Washington State)









Thanks, Vanessa.  The answer will depend on the state you live in.  Let me know, and I will do the research.  In any case, he should consider going to a doctor on his own to get his second opinion.. whether or not the state allows or disallows payment.  He needs to think of his future health and prospects.

Let me know the state and I will get a more complete answer for you.

Nan

Earlier answer:

I can't answer your medical questions, but I can take a stab at the issue of his rights.

To do that I need to ask a bit about the doctor the company uses.. is this person paid under Workers' Compensation?  Did your boyfriend file a Workers' Comp claim with his state?  Did his commpany make him sign anything waiving his rights?

I realize I am assuming you are in the US.. let me know if you are not.

Thanks.. I will get right back to you once I know the answers to the questions above.

Nan Hawthorne