Sunday, July 30, 2017

Does It Matter Who I See For A Minneapolis Workers Compensation Shoulder Injury?

I've had the opportunity to work with dozens of orthopedic shoulder surgeons across Minnesota but there are some that stand out above the rest.  Hands down my favorite group is the team of shoulder specialists with Sports and Orthopedic Specialists.  I don't have any personal or professional relationship with these surgeons other than the recognition that if my family members needed a shoulder surgery this is the first place I would call.  They are all excellent.

Aren't all surgeons the same you ask?  Well...Not really.  They might all be bright, excellent students in medical school with a commanding understanding of shoulder anatomy but good hands and good judgement are not universal.  Recently I had a former client who sustained an admitted shoulder injury with a new employer.  He was in a huge hurry to get the much needed surgery completed and back to work.  He saw two surgeons; Dr. Michael Freehill with Sports and Orthopedics and another ortho who shall go unnamed.  Dr. Freehill was about 4 weeks out for surgery but the other ortho could operate within the week.  I implored my client to wait but he was a bit head strong and insisted on the unknown ortho.  Today is nearly 6 months following a surgery where the typical expected recovery should have been 3-4 months tops...my client is still nowhere near recovered.  I have bitten my tongue (and he knows I have) but he is returning to see Dr. Freehill to see whether he can help diagnose what went wrong.  Lesson learned the hard way.

Just as it's incredibly important to hire an experienced Minnesota workers compensation expert, it's also incredibility important to treat with the best doctor for your particular injury.  You sustained a Minnesota workers compensation injury...in most instances YOU choose with whom you treat with not the insurance company or employer. Don't necessarily ask your family doctor, ask you friends, relatives and lawyers who have first hand experience with treatment.  I'm always happy to give free advice as well.  Like lawyers, doctors are not all equal!  NOT EQUAL.  Feel free to call me directly; Thomas Atkinson with Atkinson Law Office.  651--333-3636