Valdez v. Mckee

The plaintiff suffered an injury in Los Alamos on September 12, 1962, in the course of his employment. The foreman on the job sent the plaintiff to a doctor in Los Alamos, who treated him for over a month. The treatment included nine days of hospitalization and consultation by an orthopedic expert from Albuquerque. About October 17, 1962, the plaintiff advised the claims adjuster that he intended to see Dr. Peterson in Albuquerque, and at that time was told by the adjuster that the insurer would not pay for Dr. Petersons services, but suggested other doctors to whom the plaintiff might go. Nevertheless, the next day, without the approval of the defendants or the court, the plaintiff placed himself under the care of Dr. Peterson.