Karen E Karl is located in Tucson, AZ, and we represent individuals dealing with workers' compensation issues and social security disability claims. If you feel you are entitled to your full benefits, but not receiving them, we can help you. Types of cases we handle include: Social security cases Workers' compensation Disability insurance claims Karen E Karl is a member of the National Organization of Social Security Representatives, State Bar of Arizona Workers' Compensation Section and Arizona Women Lawyers Association. Call Karen E Karl now for a free consultation.
The “treating physician rule” was originally borrowed from Social Security law, as used in Social Security disability cases. The rule is based on the premise that the “treating physician” is in a better and more informed position to render opinions and thus the Court must give these opinions controlling weight. Unfortunately, the US Supreme Court on May 27, 2003, in Black & Decker Disability Plan v. Nord, held that “ERISA does not require plan administrators to accord special deference to the opinions of treating physicians,” thereby effectively ending the use of the treating physician rule in ERISA-governed claims. ( See also Social Security and Long Term Disability ( LTD) ERISA)