Shows was injured at his workplace under Ward's employment, leading him to file a claim for workers' compensation benefits in accordance with the Alabama Workers' Compensation Act. While Ward paid Shows a lump sum for the injury, the future medical benefits were left undecided. Later, Shows sought approval from Ward for medication to treat erectile dysfunction. Ward initially agreed but later withdrew its approval. Shows then sought a court order for Ward to fund the medication, submitting evidence from Dr. Cockrell linking the work-related injury, the resulting chronic pain, and its treatment with narcotic analgesics to Shows's erectile dysfunction.
The trial court sided with Shows, ordering Ward to provide the medication. Ward appealed, invoking a writ of mandamus to overturn the trial court's decision. Ward primarily based its challenge on Rule 480-5-5-.15(15), which lays out specific conditions under which erectile dysfunction medication can be covered by workers' compensation. Ward argued that Shows did not meet these conditions. However, the appellate court upheld the trial court's decision, referencing Section 25-5-77(a) that holds employers responsible for necessary medical treatment resulting from work-related injuries, irrespective of specific departmental regulations.
Employer's Appeal Denied Over Continued Medical Benefits for Injured Employee
Appellate Court Reverses Order Directing Employer to Provide Pain Management Treatment
Employer's Appeal Over Termination of Medical Benefits Denied; Lack of Detailed Findings Results in Reversal and Remand
Court Orders Vacating of Mandate Requiring Sears to Approve Medical Treatment for Employee Due to Absence of Evidentiary Hearing on Injury Compensability.
Court Dismisses Employer's Petition Seeking to Avoid Providing Panel of Physicians for Work-Related Injury
Appeal Dismissed Due to Nonfinal Judgment on Worker's Compensation Case
Court Holds Augmentation, Inc. in Contempt over Medical Benefits, Augmentation Appeals.
Employee Appeals Over Denial of Physician Selection Rights Under Alabama Workers' Compensation Act
Fairhope Health & Rehab Challenges Compensation for Employee's Knee Replacement Due to Preexisting Condition
Sheriff Appeals Court's Expansion of Medical Expense Liability Beyond Initial Agreement
Breach of Contract Claim Relating to a Disputed Settlement Agreement for Future Medical Benefits.
Court Upholds Ruling for Employer to Provide Surgery for Injured Workers' Work-Related Injuries
Employer is Obligated to Cover Treatment from a Specialist Referred by the Employee's Chosen Doctor
Staph Infection Work-Related, Benefits Awarded
Defendant's Appeal Dismissed: Cannot Appeal a Non-Final Judgment