BLOG

There are a number of different types of depression.  The 5th Edition of The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Health Disorders lists nine distinct types.  The type that I deal with in workers' compensation/job injury cases is what we would call situational depression.

Another area we fine-tuned in recent years is how to make a persuasive medical cost projection in a case. You may have been treated by a local chiropractor for 10 sessions. Then the doctor orders an MRI of your neck and discovers a herniated disc.

This is a very difficult concept to grasp yet it is so clearly a large value driver for proposals of settlement. There are a number of elements. See my FAQ on “What is an FCE”, “Permanent Impairments”

I am sure you have heard of the statement made by those of us who hate “big” anything:” I don't want to be treated like a number. Treat me like a real person.” Well, here is the bad news.

Nerve blocks, facet joint blocks, nerve ablations, are all in the “bag of tricks” used by pain management doctors to treat you after chiropractic or orthopedic care does not help you any longer.

Read this post to find out which injuries get the most attention.

If you have experienced muscle spasms, restricted movement, radicular pain into your arm(s) or leg(s) anxiety, depression (see my FAQ on “Psychological Treatment” in automobile accident cases), dizziness, vision disturbances or TMJ problems, all these conditions are considered minor medical problems and not rated highly by the insurance company diagnostic program like Colossus.

Ever since the time I spent in the claims department of Kemper Insurance Company in 1977 to 1979, I learned how important it was to have a proper medical diagnosis of the injured person's condition.

Whether you have injuries to your neck, back or to your arms or legs, you will need specialized care. I have been practicing for 41 years in metro Atlanta area, and have spent another 2 years prior to my practice, working as an insurance claims adjuster.

In a few prior blogs I have been writing about the mental health of lawyers practicing in Georgia. There seem to be an increasing concern or preoccupation with our ability to function in an increasingly hostile world with our depression, anxiety, alcohol abuse, and drug dependency, highly caffeinated mental and possibly suicidal condition.