Opioids Usage Among Work Injury Claimants
I am a workers' compensation attorney representing injured workers in Washington State. As such, the use of opioids among injured workers, and at large, is on my mind. Not just because I’ll be speaking on the topic in a few days but also because the issue arises so frequently.
Today I had meetings with two different clients who both rely on opioids for chronic pain control. One acknowledged the limiting impact these medications have on his ability to live an active lifestyle. And at the same time, acknowledging that he relies on the medication for effective pain control and some quality of life.
The other acknowledged reliance on the medications for effective pain control, and expressed frustrations that the national concern over opioids is “blown out of proportion” and only complicates his ability to access the medications he needs to cope with his unremitting pain.
As an attorney representing injured workers in Washington State, is my clients’ opioid use any of my business? I care, and I think it is.
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I was prescribed methodone as a drug for pain that has no bad side effects, i have taken by prescription 60mgs x2 a day and now since I have found that it causes dry mouth and my teeth which are all dead and falling out and breaking off. I have always gone to dentist and had good teeth. I found the truth about methodone and it was too late, my teeth were all pretty much dead. I have 11 left and am trying to get L&I to allow medical on my claim after pensioning in 1991. I would of never taken methodone if not for this back injury which was 2 injuries on the same spot on the back. I have a hearing July 15th by phone and need to connect with an attorney to represent this to the judge. Mr Gerald Casey did the big part of the case. Methodone was represented as a very safe drug when I first began taking it by prescription; Please help