Cole, Mason v. R & L Carriers
Employee Mason Cole sought medical and temporary disability benefits for a low-back injury sustained when his forklift ran off the dock. The employer, R&L Carriers, contested benefits, citing Mr. Cole's alleged noncompliance with treatment and lack of medical proof of causation, noting his termination for violating company attendance policy. The Court found Mr. Cole likely to prevail on his claim for medical benefits, concluding that past noncompliance was not clearly established and an MRI ordered by the authorized physician was never authorized by R&L. However, the Court denied temporary disability benefits at this time, as Mr. Cole was never taken completely off work by a physician and provided no medical proof of continued restrictions after his employment termination.