Romano v. Trinity School for Children

In this workers’ compensation appeal, Claimant raises two issues. In the first issue, Claimant challenges the Judge of Compensation Claims’ (JCC’s) refusal to consider the opinion of a physician who provided treatment to Claimant during a period when the employer/carrier (E/C) wrongfully withheld medical care. Because claimant met her evidentiary and legal burden in proving the physician became authorized by operation of law under section 440.13(2)(c), Florida Statutes (2007), we reverse.

Claimant, a teaching assistant for the E/C, sustained multiple orthopedic injuries in a compensable…