The claimant sought entitlement to physical treatment and various assessments, as well as a special award. Adjudicator Grant determined that the claimant was entitled to the disputed physical treatment plan, finding that the claimant’s pre and post-accident visit history with her family doctor was indicative of significant and ongoing accident-related pain complaints and noting that pain relief, even as the lone goal of treatment, was a legitimate and sometimes reasonable and necessary goal. He further found that chronic pain assessment payable in light of the insurer’s non-compliance with section 38(8). The insurer failed to respond to the treatment plan, even at the time of the hearing, and Adjudicator Grant advised that the door was now closed to the option of curing the defective notice. Adjudicator Grant also granted a special award in the amount of $300.00, finding that the insurer failed to meet its obligation to continue to adjust its file as new medical evidence became available that clearly contradicted its IE assessor’s finding and was also in non-compliance with section 38 of the Schedule.
