The insurance companies have come up with a new dirty trick: filing a controversion of benefits but withholding the doctor's report which they are relying on.
Why would they do that? Because most attorneys, before they accept a workers compensation case, want to see the so-called "independent" medical evaluation and compare it to the treating doctor's records. Insurance companies know that most attorneys won't talk to an injured employee who has been controverted unless they can produce the so-called "independent" medical evaluation.
Why would they withhold that report? Because they know that there is something in that report that your attorney would love to see. Something that doesn't make sense. Something that isn't true.
Where does that leave the injured worker? You should have the controversion notice. Collect all of your medical records from every doctor you have seen for your work injury and call an attorney anyway. Your attorney can demand a copy of the report. And the insurance company is legally obliged to produce the report no later than five days after the claim is filed. If they don't, they can get into a lot of trouble.
Keenan Powell has practiced Workers Compensation law in the State of Alaska for over 35 years and has dedicated her practice to Workers Compensation representing injured Alaskans handling hundreds of cases. www.keenanpowell.com.All consultations are free. To make an appointment, email: keenan@keenanpowell.com or call: 907 258 7663