2nd opinion surgeon

[wilma77]

I am almost 2 yrs out post shoulder surgery. I have had pain/discomfort the entire time. I had a second MRI 6 months ago which showed continued tendon damage that the surgeon called "benign". 90% of my current shoulder pain is in an area that gave me no pain prior to surgery. I can't help but wonder why. My surgeon has suggested vocational rehab which has been denied by the insurance claims adjuster saying no disability has been shown. To avoid termination from my job, I have been doing full duty at work (with the md's okay) for a year. I am having worsening shoulder trouble and believe there is still damage. My job is 100% arm work and it does aggrevate the symptoms, however everyday use also causes discomfort. I want to know, before I walk away to another career (which I have no idea what that would be, or how to make comparable income to what I make now), if there is really nothing that can be done to fix my shoulder. I believe a 2nd surgeons opinion would be needed. I don't know if I can just make an appt. with another surgeon, and if it would need to be paid for out of my pocket. If the 2nd surgeon says surgical repair is possible, what do I do with that information? I also am concerned if I hire an attorney to fight for voc rehab that my working (in pain) for the past 15 months would make winning unlikely and be a huge hit to my savings. Any suggestions or insights would be REALLY appreciated.

[1171]

your options depend on your state rules--they are different in all 50.

generally either party can always get a second medical opinion at their own expense at any time.
of course, you can always ask the carrier/employer for one first.

where you go from there depends the results of the consultation.

[jayc123]

Workers comp attorneys dont charge anything for a consultation of your case and if they take the case you also dont pay out of pocket, it comes from your settlement. A comp atty in your state would no best what to do