Alvarez, Toriba v. LFC Enterprises, Inc.
Ms. Toriba Alvarez sustained a left-ankle injury in February 2019 while working for LFC Enterprises, Inc., which was accepted as compensable. She received various treatments, including a peripheral nerve block that provided significant relief for three months. However, LFC Enterprises denied subsequent authorizations for further nerve blocks and a peripheral nerve stimulator trial based on utilization review findings. The Court, giving greater weight to the pain management provider's recommendations over utilization review, ruled that Ms. Alvarez is likely to prevail on her entitlement to the peripheral nerve block. Consequently, LFC Enterprises is ordered to authorize the peripheral nerve block, and a scheduling hearing is set for June 7, 2024.