WHEN ROUTINE DIDN’T SERVE JUSTICE A Rare Exception
We typically avoid referring our personal injury and workers’ compensation clients in Spartanburg to physicians since doing so can jeopardize a claim. However, this particular case was an exception, and seeking a second opinion turned out to be necessary and advantageous. Our client was injured while working at the BMW plant in Greer, near Spartanburg. He slipped on a waxed surface while exiting a vehicle he was servicing, causing a serious injury to his left knee. The authorized physician, chosen by the employer, performed arthroscopic surgery, which included a partial medial meniscectomy and the removal of a synovial shelf. After the procedure, the doctor assigned a 5% permanent impairment rating to the injured leg. Unfortunately, our client continued to experience significant discomfort and mobility issues. Roughly a month later, the same surgeon conducted a second procedure, again a partial medial meniscectomy. Despite the second operation and ongoing problems, the impairment rating remained unchanged at 5%. This outcome raised concerns. It didn’t align with the client’s physical limitations or daily challenges. To address the discrepancy, Rob decided, unusually for our practice, to send the client for
an independent medical examination (IME) with a
different orthopedic surgeon in the area. That doctor evaluated the client and assigned a 15% permanent impairment rating, a figure that more accurately reflected the client’s condition.
With the updated assessment, we could negotiate a more appropriate settlement. The case resolved with a clincher agreement of $40,348.05, which equated to a 30% permanent partial disability rating for the injured left leg. While we’re generally cautious about making medical referrals in these types of claims, this case proves that sometimes stepping outside routine protocol is warranted. The second opinion was pivotal in ensuring our client received a fair resolution that matched the true extent of his injury.
*Past outcomes don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different, and all cases depend on unique facts and laws.
Cheesy Tomato-Basil Stuffed Chicken
Good News
Ingredients
• 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 1/2 cup basil pesto • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese • 1/3 cup oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes, drained, oil reserved • 2–3 tbsp sun-dried tomato oil
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, divided • 2 cloves garlic, smashed • 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar • Chili flakes, to taste • 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
“I am with you always, to the end of the age.” –Matthew 28:20
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves • Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 425 F. 2. Slice chicken down the middle horizontally (not cutting all the way through). 3. Spread pesto inside filleted chicken, then stuff with cheese and tomatoes before closing chicken, covering filling. 4. Place chicken in a large oven-safe skillet. Drizzle with oil. 5. Set the skillet over medium heat; cook 5 minutes. 6. Add 1 1/2 cups tomatoes, garlic, balsamic vinegar, and season with chili flakes. Cook 2–3 minutes, then remove from heat. 7. Bake in oven for 7–10 minutes until chicken is cooked through and tomatoes burst. 8. Toss remaining 1/2 cup tomatoes with basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. 9. Serve the chicken topped with fresh tomatoes.
“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with them, and them with me.” –Revelation 3:20
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