workman's comp-need advice

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I'm writing in hopes that someone has some advice to offer.

My neighbor, who's 51, reinjured his back at work several weeks ago. He didn't

tell his supervisor until 2 days later. The job he has, leaves him in pain all

the time, so he wasn't sure if he would need to go to the dr.

Well, after waking up the next morning and not being able to walk, he ended up

going to the ER. He told them there that he hurt it at work. They gave him

meds,and sent him home saying it was back strain.

Three days later, the pain was just as bad and he still couldn't move. He went

back to the ER, and they finally did an MRI. He has several herniated discs,

and is supposed to see a dr. for injections. If that doesn't work, the next

step is surgery.

Well, here's the problem. Workman's comp is fighting it saying he didn't hurt it

at work,as it was an existing problem, so he can't see their drs. Yet, his

insurance is saying that it's a workman's comp thing, so they're not gonna pay.

HOW IS HE SUPPOSED TO GET TREATMENT when no one will see him? Has anyone been

through this or something similar? What can I tell him, as he's at his wit's

end?

Thanks for any help!