Workers’ Compensation Attorneys’ Blog

Dealing With Your Doctor in Workers Compensation Cases

If you have been injured on the job, one of the first things you need to decide is who will provide your medical treatment.  It is wise to consult with an attorney who can let you know what medical care you are entitled to receive and the best way to receive it.

An experienced workers compensation attorney can also give some guidance as you select a medical provider.  The doctor you select will not only treat your medical condition, but will also determine whether or not you are entitled to further disability and indemnity benefits.

Picking the Right Doctor in your Workers Compensation Case

Your doctor is very important to your case. He or she will prescribe medication, refer you to other physicians or specialists, determine when and if you can return to work and what limitations might be necessary, and order whatever other appropriate medical care is needed.

What to Expect on your First Visit to a Workers Compensation Doctor

At your first visit, your doctor will ask you to provide a complete and accurate history of your injury and the facts surrounding the accident or injury.  You should also be prepared to discuss any prior related medical condition that the doctor asks about, especially if you suspect that the information may be used by the insurance company to show that your present medical issues are due to preexisting conditions.  Even if your current injury simply made an existing condition worse, you are still covered by workers compensation.

How your Treating Doctor Affects your Workers Compensation Case

A treating doctor may affect your case in several ways.

• Your treating doctor will determine whether your injury or symptoms occurred on the job based on the history you give them and their examination.
• Your treating doctor will determine whether you need further treatment, whether and how long you should stay off work, and/or if you need to see specialists.
• Your treating doctor will compile reports from any specialists and based on the record, will determine whether you have a permanent condition or whether you can return to work.

Doctor Determines Necessary Time Off in your Workers Compensation Case

Your treating physician must send written reports to the insurance company to keep it informed of your condition, progress, and prognosis. He or she will file an initial report, and subsequently, provide the insurance company with periodic medical reports detailing your condition.

Neither your employer, your attorney, the insurance adjustor nor even you may determine how long you should remain off work.  That decision lies solely in the hands of your doctor.  If you disagree with his or her determination concerning your return to work, you are allowed to seek a second opinion.  You may even seek a second opinion (or change medical providers entirely) if you just don’t like your doctor.

The workers compensation system can be very confusing.  Of course, the most important thing is to select a physician who will provide you with the best care possible.  However, finding a doctor that you trust who is also familiar with getting things done in the workers compensation system can be invaluable to you in terms of getting prompt treatment and expedited approvals.

Long Beach, CA Workers Compensation Attorneys

Our experienced workers compensation attorneys have seen many of these doctors in action, have read their reports, and have seen how they handle themselves in the litigation process.  Our attorneys can help you narrow down the list of physicians in your employer’s medical provider network to ones who will not only provide excellent treatment, but who are experts at navigating the worker’s compensation process as well.

Your consultation with our workers’ comp attorneys is 100% confidential, and neither your employer nor your insurance company will be notified that you requested a consultation with us. Our lawyers will help you understand your rights and work tirelessly to ensure that you receive the maximum workers’ comp benefits for which you qualify.

Long Beach Workers Compensation Attorneys for a FREE CONSULTATION: 800-964-8047