Insurance Co. to carry out Functional Capacity Evaluation on me?

[lyonsie]

Has anyone any experience of having one of these done. I am out of work for the past two years (went back for 6 weeks but found it too hard) as a result of an assault at work. I have income continuance insurance which kicked in after 6 months and I was put on half pay. When it was time to put me on pension rate of pay the insurance company sent me to an 'occupational...... doctor' who decided that because I could turn my head sideways and put pressure on his hands I was suitable to return to work.
Meanwhile, I was attending a neurologist who sent me for further tests, which concluded that even after 2 years I still have nerve damage to muscle in my neck and will have to carry out further tests in another 3 months.
I know that this Functional Capacity Evaluation is the Insurance Co. trying to wrangle their way out of paying, has anyone had any experience.
Having stopped payment 8 months ago, they resumed last month after reports were sent, but have not back dated payment.
What are my options. Should I have solicitor present when these people call, they are calling to my home.


This is a quote from some forum I came across on the web;

Functional Capacity Evaluation does not, in any way replicate an 8-hr workday. All the excercises are performed for only 5 minutes each. Anyone who is requested by their insurance carrier to have this kind of test performed, needs to secure a lawyer immediately. (You are walking in to a lion's den) Especially, if for example you have difficulty sitting due to herniated disks in your neck, or a neck injury, because you are only tested for 5 minutes of sitting! These facilities that offer these tests work for the insurance company and make their living administering these tests for them. Think about it, they wouldn't be in business if their tests results weren't returning clients back to work.