The Flint Journal & Genesee County Bar Association's “Ask the Attorney”

MACDONALD, FITZGERALD & MACDONALD, P.C

Q. I was injured at work. My employer's workers' compensation insurance company picked a doctor for me. They hired a "case manager" who wants that doctor to send me back to work. The doctor is not helping, I am still in pain and unable to work. What can I do?

A. Ten days after treatment begins, you as an injured employee in Michigan have a right to choose your own doctor. Workers’ comp must pay for treatment that provides a cure or alleviates symptoms. Michigan law permits insurance companies to receive medical reports every 60 days; there is no place in the law for "case managers" who go to the doctor with you or who boss the doctor around. You need a new doctor, and a lawyer.

Atty. Robert J. MacDonald
--May 2007 column