Employer Penalized for Failing to Inform Claimant he Could Choose Physician

An employer that failed to inform its injured worker that he had a right to choose his own physician must pay a $2,000 penalty and $5,000 in attorney fees, the Louisiana 2nd Court of Appeal ruled. Case: O'Quinn v. Trinidad Drilling, No. 49,372-WCA, 10/01/2014. Facts: Damian O'Quinn suffered a crush-type injury to his left hand in September 2009 while working on an oil rig owned by Trinidad Drilling in Red River Parish, Louisiana. He was taken to an emergency room in Shreveport and diagnosed with swelling and a contusion on his left wrist. An x-ray of his did not indicate any fracture...