JCC Grants Pain Management Care and Strikes Late Causation Defense

In Quiles Martinez v. Sage Dining Services / CNA Insurance, OJCC Case No. 24-028425KAH, Judge Kimberly A. Hill addressed medical benefits after the claimant fell while pushing a damaged cart and injured her back, left shoulder, and left hip.

The JCC granted authorization for a pain-management physician to evaluate and treat the work-related conditions, including physical therapy, lumbar support for work activities, anti-inflammatory medication, and sacroiliac injections. Lumbar injections were denied because the record did not show they had been recommended or were medically necessary.

The order also struck the employer/carrier's late major-contributing-cause defense because it was raised for the first time in a trial memorandum, not in the pretrial stipulation. Fees and costs entitlement was awarded for benefits obtained.

Source: Final Compensation Order