Reese v. V-1 Oil Co.

EISMANN, Justice.

The employer wrongfully denied the claimant the only treatment recommended by the claimant’s treating physician to alleviate the claimant’s continuing pain following his back surgery. The claimant ultimately sought care from another physician, who performed a second surgery that alleviated most of the pain. The Industrial Commission denied medical benefits for the second surgery and total temporary disability benefits during the period of recovery because the claimant had not obtained permission from the employer or Commission before changing physicians. The claimant…