I have a workers comp injury. Do I need an attorney and if so what type and how do I find a qualified one if don't know any?

You have a right to change doctors, as long as you select one within your MPN. You should talk to your doctor if you don't think your work restrictions accurately reflect your disability. An attorney could help you select a better Doctor. There are also other variables regarding your treatment given that you have had a prior WC claim. An attorney should be able to assist in working with your employer and Doctor to get you back to work.

First of all I would get a second and third opinion from other Doctors that specialize in that field of medicine. Depending on their diagnosis, take action from their. If they are all telling you the same thing, go with their advice... Without your health you have nothing...

I would recommend you not treat with medical providers in your own organization. There may be some institutional bias. You may lose some privacy. You have the right to change doctors but must select on that is in your insurance company's medical provider network. Your adjuster can tell you how to access that on-line. But then the question is who's good and who's not? Who's more insurance company oriented and who's more injured worker oriented?
A good WC lawyer can help you with this....and more. If you don't know the game, don't know the rules, don't know the tricks of the game, don't know the players....how can you ever expect to win the game? WC lawyers all give FREE initial consults. What have you got to lose/ What have you got to gain?
Find a top rated WC lawyer in SD by using the "Find a lawyer" tab at the top of this page. Cross reference that to www.caaa.org. CAAA is the association for lawyers here in CA who represent injured workers.

The work comp office at 7575 metropolitan San Diego ca 92108 can give you a list of attorneys
You really need one as your letter brings up a number of problems past injuries modified work and the like

You may or may not need an attorney at this point. The best way to find out is to get a free consultation with a local workers compensation attorney. At the least you will get some good advice and perhaps some help picking a treating Doctor.
Good Luck!!

I would definitely consult with and hire an experienced workers compensation attorney, due to the complexities of your case and the need for appropriate medical treatment and work restrictions. An attorney can assist with those concerns. You pay nothing to have the attorney represent you. The fee is a small percentage (usually 15%) of the permanent disability ratings and award or compromise and release settlement.

I agree with the answers of my colleagues. The answers of Attorneys Garza and Borah were particularly helpful. you have been well advised.

The best thing you can do at this juncture is change your primary doctor. A WC attorney will help you select a doctor within the MPN that would be a good fit for your case. As to your employment, it is illegal for an employer to discriminate against you for having suffered an injury. Does it happen? You bet! However, a discrimination petition can be filed in connection with your workers' comp case in case of termination or simply a pattern or practice of discrimination by your employer.