Today’s Tip for Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation: The Adjuster and Nurse Case Manager
After an injury, the insurance company will attempt to contact you. They may appear to be interested and may even ask how you are doing, but do not be fooled. Each and every contact by the insurance company is designed to try to obtain free information to use against you. At some point, they will request from you an authorization that will allow them to either speak with or obtain records from your family or treating doctor. The process by which they are able to do that is by requesting your consent by having you sign a medical authorization or release. These releases, if signed at all, should be modified as narrowly as possible, including a short expiration date.
There may also be a “rehabilitation” nurse or a medical case manager nurse assigned to your case. That person’s job is not unlike the job of the adjuster. Although he or she can appear to be friendly, always remember their paycheck is signed in the lower right hand corner by the insurance company. We discourage the use of these individuals. They are the eyes and ears of the Defendant. They are paid private detectives. They will often “twist your doctor’s arm” to obtain fewer restrictions or no restrictions, even without an examination, to try to reduce your compensation. This often leads to unneeded litigation.
We believe in the injured workers’ right to the physician patient privilege and revoke any prior authorizations signed by our clients. We also ask that our clients not permit insurance company nurses or managers to have any contact with their treating physicians. Being on workers’ compensation does not make you a second class citizen needing a babysitter or private detective at your doctor’s appointments.
An employee who suffers a work injury is entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits. Under the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Act, the employer is required to have workers’ compensation insurance and you are entitled to prompt payment of medical bills related to the work injury, along with compensation for loss of income and/or loss of use of hearing, vision, and most extremities. An injured worker is entitled to these benefits regardless of who is at fault for the injury and regardless of any pre-existing condition. A Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney at calhoon & associates can help determine if you are entitled to Pennsylvania workers’ compensation benefits or receiving inadequate benefits by the workers’ compensation insurance company or employer. Call calhoon & associates at (877) 291-9675 for a FREE, confidential and prompt consultation with one of our attorneys with a proven track record of success. To order your free Book “Seven Deadly Sins That Can Destroy Your Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Case”, go to www.workinjuryinpa.com and fill out the complimentary free book request or you can order it through Amazon.com.
The law firm of Calhoon & Associates represents injured workers and those seeking Social Security Disability throughout Pennsylvania, including but not limited to, Altoona, Harrisburg, Pottsville, Allentown, Reading, Bloomsburg, Easton, Bethlehem, Norristown, Bristol, Williamsport, State College, Wilkes-Barre, Scranton, Lancaster, Waynesboro, York and all cities in Bucks County, Chester County, Columbia County, Dauphin County, Delaware County, Lackawanna County, Lancaster County, Lebanon County, Lehigh County, Luzerne County, Lycoming County, Montgomery County, Monroe County, Montour County, Northampton County, Northumberland County, Philadelphia County, Pike County, Schuylkill County, Wyoming County and York County, PA. Our offices are located at 2411 North Front Street, Harrisburg, PA and 14 North Main Street, Suite 300, Chambersburg, PA, and we can arrange for meeting locations at law offices throughout the State.
Calhoon & Associates2411 North Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17110
1-877-291-9675
14 North Main Street
Suite 309
Chambersburg, PA 17201
1-877-291-9675
