Alberta Workers’ Compensation Consulting

Are you being denied assistive devices or medical aid on the basis that it is not going to result in a return to gainful employment? The following AWCC blog informs these matters in relation to the Board's responsibility beyond providing assistance in rehabilitating injured workers to return to gainful employment. For injured workers who are unable to return to gainful employment an onus on the WCB remains to "alleviate the effects of a workplace Injury or illness" as per WC...B Policy 04-06 Part 1 . If you are struggling to get the assistance you need from the WCB of Alberta call AWCC for a free consultation 780 440 6074. https://albertawcc.com//denial-of-treatment-functional-gai

Nemo Judex in Causa Sua* is a Latin phrase that means, literally: "No-one is judge in his own cause." It is a principal of Natural Justice.... Unfortunately, the WCB of Alberta repeatedly places themselves in a position to be a judge in their own cause. This primarily occurs with the utilization of in-house medical advisor opinions over that of treating physicians. An example would be where the Board receives medical information from a primary treatment provider that is contrary to their own in-house medical opinion and they simply revert back to the same medical opinion provider, placing them as a judge in their own cause, in response to contrary medical information. In a recent circumstance the WCB, having received medical opinion from the treating physician that was contrary to their in-house medical advisor opinion, produced a medical précis that only addresses information on the file that supported the Board's contention in relation to denying causality and ongoing responsibility. This was then furnished to the treating physician in an effort to change the treating physician's opinion on the matters at hand. The Board's contention was that the opinion from the treating physician, as solicited by AWCC, was not fully informed. However, when we compare AWCC's submission to the treating physician relative to the WCB medical advisor's follow-up to the physician it is patently clear that AWCC's submission was a balance of fact and opinion from the claim file. Information that supported entitlement, as well as information that was contrary to entitlement was included by AWCC and place before the treating physician as transparency mandates. Yet, the WCB's communication to the physician was not balanced and fair, utilizing cherry picked information to support the Board's denial of ongoing responsibility. This also goes against the principles of Natural Justice. If this is happening to you on your claim file please contact us for a free consult: 780-440-6047. Mr. Becker would be happy to take your call and discuss your WCB Alberta claim concerns. *or 'nemo judex in sua causa'

Nemo Judex in Causa Sua* is a Latin phrase that means, literally: "No-one is judge in his own cause." It is a principal of Natural Justice.... Unfortunately, the WCB of Alberta repeatedly places themselves in a position to be a judge in their own cause. This primarily occurs with the utilization of in-house medical advisor opinions over that of treating physicians. An example would be where the Board receives medical information from a primary treatment provider that is contrary to their own in-house medical opinion and they simply revert back to the same medical opinion provider, placing them as a judge in their own cause, in response to contrary medical information. In a recent circumstance the WCB, having received medical opinion from the treating physician that was contrary to their in-house medical advisor opinion, produced a medical précis that only addresses information on the file that supported the Board's contention in relation to denying causality and ongoing responsibility. This was then furnished to the treating physician in an effort to change the treating physician's opinion on the matters at hand. The Board's contention was that the opinion from the treating physician, as solicited by AWCC, was not fully informed. However, when we compare AWCC's submission to the treating physician relative to the WCB medical advisor's follow-up to the physician it is patently clear that AWCC's submission was a balance of fact and opinion from the claim file. Information that supported entitlement, as well as information that was contrary to entitlement was included by AWCC and place before the treating physician as transparency mandates. Yet, the WCB's communication to the physician was not balanced and fair, utilizing cherry picked information to support the Board's denial of ongoing responsibility. This also goes against the principles of Natural Justice. If this is happening to you on your claim file please contact us for a free consult: 780-440-6047. Mr. Becker would be happy to take your call and discuss your WCB Alberta claim concerns. *or 'nemo judex in sua causa'

Mr. Butkovic (in the article noted below) is simply shilling for employers here. This has nothing to do with workers cooperating and taking responsibility for attending medical appointments etc. The Workers' Compensation Act gives the WCB the power to compel claimants to cooperate. The changes by the sitting government are regressive, serve only employers, and go against the interest of hard working Albertans who were injured on the job simply trying to earn a living.... ___________________________________________ "Anthony Butkovic is a WCB consultant who acts for employers. He said the obligation to rehire injured workers imposed an "undue hardship" on small and medium businesses. Butkovic said removing the obligation for an employer to rehire an injured worker ensures the worker will cooperate and take responsibility for attending medical appointments and for participating in a return-to-work plan. ' " https://www.cbc.ca//major-changes-to-alberta-s-workers-com

We have a new email address: [email protected] We will still be reviewing email at [email protected] but we are transitioning over.

Another Victory Dance! As a result of experience, detailed research, investigation, and cogent written submissions* AWCC prevailed again today for an injured worker in Alberta, securing allowances that will improve our client's quality of life in a significant and substantial fashion. Mr. Becker is gratified to know that his client will now have financial assistance for activities of daily living that were difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish as a result of his work r...elated compensable impairment and disability. If you have any questions or concerns about your WCB entitlement don't hesitate to call Mr. Becker for a free consultation at 780-440-6047. *And a heaping serving of perseverance.

Well Today Was One of Those Days! Through a concerted and detailed file review, on behalf of a client, AWCC determined that vital information supporting medical continuation and causality had been overlooked by the WCB on several occasions. This included an incomplete and biased WCB medical advisor’s review that AWCC was able to prove was exactly that. ... As a result, a prior spurious denial of ongoing responsibility has now been overturned with the reinstatement of benefits and services. Our client could not be happier. The result for our client today demonstrates the need, at times, to have someone with the requisite expertise, skills, and determination when it comes to representation and advocacy before the WCB of Alberta. AWCC has the requisite experience, skills, and tenacity to make a difference as evidenced today. Feel free to call Mr. Becker today for a free consult 780-440-6047.

In the unfortunate circumstance that you may have a significant disability rating (PCI/PPD) with the WCB Alberta and you are in receipt of a "zero-based" wage loss supplement recognizing that you are unfit for all forms of employment, we want to hear from you.* AWCC specializes in applying for wage loss benefits beyond the age of 65 and/or PTD status (permanent total disability status), as well as other benefits/allowances for those unfortunate to have suffered a serious or s...evere work-related injury. Call for a free consultation, Mr. Becker is in the office all week this week: 780-440-6047. Or fill out our online form to expedite your request. https://albertawcc.com/contact-form *And even if you don't fit this profile, but have questions about your WCB claim then don't hesitate to call for some free assistance and or advice.

Well Today Was One of Those Days! Through a concerted and detailed file review, on behalf of a client, AWCC determined that vital information supporting medical continuation and causality had been overlooked by the WCB on several occasions. This included an incomplete and biased WCB medical advisor’s review that AWCC was able to prove was exactly that. ... As a result, a prior spurious denial of ongoing responsibility has now been overturned with the reinstatement of benefits and services. Our client could not be happier. The result for our client today demonstrates the need, at times, to have someone with the requisite expertise, skills, and determination when it comes to representation and advocacy before the WCB of Alberta. AWCC has the requisite experience, skills, and tenacity to make a difference as evidenced today. Feel free to call Mr. Becker today for a free consult 780-440-6047.

In the unfortunate circumstance that you may have a significant disability rating (PCI/PPD) with the WCB Alberta and you are in receipt of a "zero-based" wage loss supplement recognizing that you are unfit for all forms of employment, we want to hear from you.* AWCC specializes in applying for wage loss benefits beyond the age of 65 and/or PTD status (permanent total disability status), as well as other benefits/allowances for those unfortunate to have suffered a serious or s...evere work-related injury. Call for a free consultation, Mr. Becker is in the office all week this week: 780-440-6047. Or fill out our online form to expedite your request. https://albertawcc.com/contact-form *And even if you don't fit this profile, but have questions about your WCB claim then don't hesitate to call for some free assistance and or advice.

A new blog post from AWCC's founding consultant Kevin Becker. When Is an Independent Medical Exam (IME) Not Independent? The Calgary Herald articles referred to in the blog post can be found archived in PDF form at the top of AWCC's blog post page. ... https://albertawcc.com/blog-on Mr. Becker hopes that the information/blog therein will be of assistance to injured workers. ____________________________________________________________________ In relation to the worker, the (compensation) Board has ... the financial ability to fund sophisticated investigations involving highly qualified experts and have the material presented to them, guided and orchestrated and propounded by its in-house counsel responsible to the Board and paid for by the Board. The application of any standard under the rules of natural justice would identify such circumstances as being unequal in negotiating ability and unfair. This is not a level playing field, it is not fair, and it offends the basic principles of natural justice. Judge MacLean -Medical Reports Divide Opinion: Calgary Herald Article May 1999 -WCB Experience Painful: Calgary Herald May 1999 -Doctors Reexamine Insurance Work: Calgary Herald May 1999

New blog post for 2021. It is my sincere hope that the content herein will be of assistance to injured workers who have been wrongfully denied treatment. Kevin Becker

*Please note this is not a politicized post.* AWCC would hold the same opinion regardless of the political affiliation of any sitting government that would behave in such a way. It's simply further insult to injury, and the financial implications for Albertans injured in the workplace are significant.... This is unconscionable and immoral. ----------------------------------------------------- For clarity, until the NDP government was elected the timeline to appeal a denial by the WCB was one year, for both levels of appeal. Unfortunately the NDP government fell short and only amended the timeline between the first level of appeal (DRDRB) and the final level of appeal (Appeals Commission). An injured worker must appeal a decision by the WCB within one year of said decision to the DRDRB. Presently, an injured worker has two years to appeal to the Appeals Commission in relation to a decision rendered by the DRDRB. The UCP seeks to revert this back to a one-year timeline to appeal in relation to both levels of appeal. ----------------------------------------------------- https://www.afl.org/bill_47_weakening_workers_compensation_

New Labour Legislation Introduced by Alberta’s Sitting Government Yesterday: Bill 47, the 'Ensuring Safety and Cutting Red Tape Act', would put back a cap on maximum insurable earnings for injured workers as well as other potential changes to legislation that will impact benefits and services for injured workers in Alberta. This is very disappointing news. ... AWCC has seen how the maximum insurable cap for workers wage replacement benefits can be devastating for Albertans already suffering from a workplace accident. Hard working Albertans who end up struggling to simply pay the bills and cover the mortgage after being injured at work. The cap was lifted in 2017 and was one of the many positive changes that was made to the compensation system in Alberta at that time. With the Board already shaving off 10% (rates are set at 90% net), those that end up having their rate capped below their actual earnings are going to suffer even greater losses. There has never been a logical explanation as to why there was a rate cap in the first place. Reduction in presumptive coverage for psychological injuries that was expanded by the prior government is now tabled to be scaled back and limited in relation to this type of coverage. This will affect: firefighters, police officers, peace officers, paramedics, correction officers, and emergency dispatchers. The bill also could impact both the Fair Practices Office and the Medical Panel Office. Labour Minister Jason Copping said in an interview Wednesday the changes would reduce costs for employers. However, hard working Albertans injured on the job will suffer as a result of these anticipated changes by the present sitting government.

Well Today Was One of Those Days! Through a concerted and detailed file review, on behalf of a client, AWCC determined that vital information supporting medical continuation and causality had been overlooked by the WCB on several occasions. This included an incomplete and biased WCB medical advisor’s review that AWCC was able to prove was exactly that. ... As a result, a prior spurious denial of ongoing responsibility has now been overturned with the reinstatement of benefits and services. Our client could not be happier. The result for our client today demonstrates the need, at times, to have someone with the requisite expertise, skills, and determination when it comes to representation and advocacy before the WCB of Alberta. AWCC has the requisite experience, skills, and tenacity to make a difference as evidenced today. Feel free to call Mr. Becker today for a free consult 780-440-6047.

Know Your Rights! "Every employer shall ensure... the health and safety of... workers engaged in the work of that employer" Section 3(1)(a)(i) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act... https://www.afl.org/your_rights_during_covid19

In the unfortunate circumstance that you may have a significant disability rating (PCI/PPD) with the WCB Alberta and you are in receipt of a "zero-based" wage loss supplement recognizing that you are unfit for all forms of employment, we want to hear from you.* AWCC specializes in applying for wage loss benefits beyond the age of 65 and/or PTD status (permanent total disability status), as well as other benefits/allowances for those unfortunate to have suffered a serious or s...evere work-related injury. Call for a free consultation, Mr. Becker is in the office all week this week: 780-440-6047. Or fill out our online form to expedite your request. https://albertawcc.com/contact-form *And even if you don't fit this profile, but have questions about your WCB claim then don't hesitate to call for some free assistance and or advice.

Alberta Workers' Compensation Consulting joins the call for Presumptive Coverage for All Workers that are deemed Essential by the Provincial Government!! The Alberta WCB’s COVID-19 ‘Worker Fact Sheet’ states: a claim is likely to be accepted and... a worker will also likely to be covered Do you see the trend here? This type of equivocal language is unacceptable during a pandemic and further reinforces the call for presumptive coverage to all workers that are deemed essential by the provincial government. If you have questions or concerns about filing a claim, or have a present claim with the WCB we are here to help you. All calls and inquiries from essential service workers and front-line healthcare workers will be triaged as priority. AWCC: 780-440-6047 https://albertawcc.com/

Details, Details, Details...*Knowledge is Power* AWCC: 780-440-6047 References Available Upon Request

AWCC Advocacy and Representation Update: Coronavirus AWCC understands that although the WCB offices remain open, they are restricting foot traffic etc. AWCC has also been advised that many of the adjudicators and case managers will be, or are now, working remotely. AWCC has been advised that the WCB’s primary focus during this difficult period will be ensuring the ongoing provision of benefits presently in place.... However, AWCC has also been advised to anticipate that there will be a bit of a slowdown in relation to requests for additional services, benefits, and/or matters of appeal. AWCC remains in operation and Mr. Becker continues to do his very best supporting his clients through the WCB entitlement and appeals process. If you have questions or concerns about your WCB claim please do not hesitate to call AWCC at 780-440-6047. Office hours are 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Friday. Please practice social distancing, wash your hands often, and stay safe out there

AWCC picks up first Northwest Territories compensation client today!!! Don't let the name...Alberta Workers' Compensation Consulting...confuse you. Mr. Becker has provided advocacy and representation in many provinces across Canada including BC, Saskatchewan, and Ontario.... Have a question about your WCB claim? Call AWCC 1-780-440-6047