Future medical care

[InjW36]

My case is in Riverside, California. My PTP declared me P&S 6 months ago. He wrote in the report that I "should be allowed orthopedic follow up". My claim adjuster made an offer to settle the case but no negociations are going on. My injury still hurts. I got a new lawyer, and he wants me to go to an independant doctor to evaluate my injury and estimate the cost of my future medical care, so he (the lawyer) will have enough information to negotiate a settlement. As I understand it, I am entitled to this future medical care only after the case is settled, isn't it?. And if I go to this doctor, wouldn't I loose my PD benefits?.
Thank you for your answer.[/font]

[1171]

depends on how you settle.
if you buyout all benefits-Compromise and Release-, your case is closed and no future benefits.
if you settle with an award for periodic PD payments, you will be entitled to future medical.
most attys want to C&R.
medical care for your injury is available until there is an approved c&R on file with the court.
whether your PD benefits will change depends on what the doctor's opinion is.
all benefits are based on evidence.
all medical treatment is subject to Utilization Review.

read the PD factsheet here for more information:
http://www.dir.ca.gov/dwc/iwguides.html