Those who are injured on the job often suffer more than the physical injury. Depending on the circumstances, some may also suffer significant brain trauma or psychological damages that prevent their healing. Tennessee workers who are injured may need referrals from workers’ compensation to seek specialized treatment.
In one state, a man who was severely burned in an explosion on the job struggled to make progress in his recovery. Physicians with the workers’ comp program referred the man to a psychologist for a diagnosis and treatment. This doctor determined that the patient suffered from a traumatic brain injury along with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. He recommended that the man undergo evaluation using a specialized device that could pinpoint damaged segments of the brain and stimulate it through signals and sounds in order to retrain it and assist in a patient’s recovery.
Unfortunately, in spite of a high success rate when used on members of the armed forces, workers’ compensation denied the treatment. According to the psychologist, the procedure would cost an estimated $500. Workers comp has spent much more in fighting the patient’s appeal through the court system. Due to the denial of treatment for this worker, the mental health provider announced his refusal to accept any future referrals from the program in order to avoid this type of situation.
The doctor expressed his concern for the injured worker whose condition continues to worsen. There has been no public statement from workers’ compensation officials on why treatment was denied. Anytime a Tennessee worker suffers a significant injury or illness on the job, he or she is entitled to seek benefits from the state’s workers’ compensation program. In order to ensure one receives maximum benefits and required treatment, one may benefit from the services of an attorney who successfully handles these claims on a routine basis.
