Worker's Decision to Delay Surgery Resulted in Loss of Coverage for Procedure

The Montana Workers’ Compensation Court ruled that a worker’s decision to postpone surgery for a period of over 60 months resulted in the loss of his entitlement to have his surgery covered by his employer’s comp carrier. Case: Mellinger v. Montana State Fund, No. 2017-4144, 08/08/2018, published. Facts and procedural history: Todd Mellinger injured his right foot in November 2006 while working for Montana Merchandising. Montana Merchandising had workers’ compensation insurance coverage with the Montana State Fund. State Fund accepted liability for Mellinger’s ...