Kirkland v. Northwest Florida Regional Housing Authority

SHIVERS, Judge.

This appeal is from a workers’ compensation order denying bad faith attorney’s fees. We reverse.

James Kirkland was employed by Northwest Florida Regional Housing Authority on September 30, 1985, when he suffered a compensable work-related back injury. The injury required surgery in July 1986. The surgery was performed by Dr. Wood-ham, who was the primary treating physician. The doctor is a neurologist practicing in Dothan, Alabama. The surgery resulted in a severe pain syndrome called causalgia.

Continued medical care was provided by the employer/carrier (e/e). A doctor at…