As I was loading a 400lb. piece of freight on an aircraft, my (L) knee twisted. I was sent to a clinic and evaluated that I might need a knee replacement. I have a history of several knee surgeries, my job function is loading and unloading airplanes for 30 years. My question is can I obtain my own Dr. in the state of Ga., under the workmans compensation laws………Thanks
–Andrew
Jodi Ginsberg responds: Andrew, thanks for your interesting question. Here is how I would analyze your situation. First, I would want to know if your potential need for a knee replacement is the result of your most recent injury or is it a combination of this injury and your past injuries/surgeries?
Your employer and its insurer may try to argue that your current problem is the result of past injuries as opposed to this incident, and they may try to deny coverage.
Even if your employer tries to deny coverage based on your old knee problems, your case may be winnable if a treating doctor will go on record that your most recent injury aggrevated your pre-existing condition, and if you did not misrepresent your knee problems at the time you were hired.
If your employer has accepted responsibility for covering your knee problem, then the next step would be to get you to a specialist. Under Georgia’s workers’ compensation law, an authorized treating doctor can refer you to a specialist and, generally, the insurer would be responsible for paying the specialist to treat you. If your employer has a valid "posted panel of physicians" there may be a specialist there that you could choose.
If the employer is denying coverage, you would need to request a hearing on the issue of whether your injury is compensable.
As you can see, the answer to your question depends on a number of factors. I do not think you can or should assume that your employer or its workers’ compensation carrier will act in your best interest.
Feel free to call me at 770-351-0801 if you wish to discuss further.
[tags] knee injury and georgia workers compensation, arising out of and in the course of employment, pre-existing condition and workers compensation [/tags]