Chapman v. Research Cottrell

Michelle Chapman appeals the decision of the Workers’ Compensation Court, holding that the claimant failed to obtain approval of the insurer prior to changing her physician. We reverse the lower court.

The issue before the Court is whether the Workers’ Compensation Court properly concluded that the claimant changed treating physicians without first getting permission from the insurer, in violation of Administrative Rule of Montana 24.29.1403.

Michelle Chapman was injured on May 16, 1989, while in the course and scope of her employment with Research Cottrell in Colstrip, Montana. The claimant…