I&F Announces 2012 Docket Coverage

As you know, the IWCC has significantly changed the prior venue system with the creation of the so-called “Super Venue” system which divides the state into geographic areas composed of three smaller hearing sites.  Inman and Fitzgibbons will continue its practice of assigning a dedicated attorney or attorneys to the individual hearing sites to cover …

2012 Fee Schedule is Online

The IWCC has announced that the 2012 Fee Schedule is online. To view the fee schedule rates for 2012, click here. Note that the 2012 rates have been separated into hospital and nonhospital sections. You can only obtain information from one section at a time. Click on the region to see a list of counties in …

Thorough Witness Prep Produces Recent I&F Win

At times Respondents are presented with scenarios where the medical evidence and histories appear very consistent and contemporaneous with the accident and the defense largely consists of a supervisor or co-worker testifying that the Petitioner said he injured himself outside of work. The importance of developing and nurturing that witness testimony into even more evidence …

Happy Holidays

Inman and Fitzgibbons wishes you and your families a happy and healthy Holiday Season and New Year.

I&F Case Study: The IME and Issues of Necessary Medical Treatment

Although reasonable people might disagree as to the benefits of chiropractic care in the WC arena, there is no arguing the fact that a long term course of care with a chiropractor for a back injury can lead to a difficult claim.  It's also no secret that the Commission can express a preference for the …

I&F prevails where legal secretary cannot establish manifestation date of condition

I&F recently scored another repetitive trauma win when the Commission affirmed an Arbitration decision finding that petitioner failed to prove the manifestation date of her condition.  In this case, the petitioner began working for the respondent as a legal secretary in 1990. She filed two repetitive trauma claims against the respondent alleging that her job …

I&F wins where petitioner fails to carry burden of proof

The Commission recently reversed an unfavorable decision by the Arbitrator as to our client’s liability for renewed treatment and lost time five months after the prior treating physician deemed the claimant at MMI. Our client had paid benefits on a repetitive trauma claim for a couple of years through surgery and follow up care necessitated …

Arbitrator Jerry Jutila passes away

The IWCC has announced that Arbitrator Jerry Jutila passed away on December 8, 2012. Arbitrator Jutila joined the Commission as an arbitrator in 2004, served as acting chairman in 2008, then returned to his arbitrator position. He was widely respected as an intelligent, thoughtful, and fair person. While he struggled with his illness, Arbitrator Jutila …