After a workplace injury, you may need to seek medical treatment. As an attorney who has represented injured workers for over 32 years, be careful not to give up an important right. See, the company may try to get you to treat with a specific doctor. At first, it’ll seem like the company is being helpful. Unfortunately, the reality is they may be trying to save money. Don’t give up the right to choose your own doctor.
“Company doctors” may feel the need to clear you for work, earlier than what may be needed. The quicker you get back to work the less total temporary disability payments you’ll receive. These are payments made to you while you’re off work due to your injury.
You have the right to choose your doctor. It’s often recommended that you start with your family doctor. He/she is focused on ensuring you heal properly. While you may feel pressure to return to work, if you do so before you’re fully recovered, you could worsen your injury.
The right to choose your doctor is protected by Kentucky workers’ compensation law. When you’re still treating or recovering, those factors are considered important parts of your workers’ comp claim. There’s no way to fully determine the extend of possible limitations to your ability to perform your job duties, until a proper assessment has been made.
When you’re rushed to get back to work and to simply “tough it out,” you may be doing more harm than good. As a workers’ comp attorney, I understand how difficult it is for clients to wait on the healing process. However, it’s important to your recovery, both the physical and the financial ones.
By giving up the right to your own doctor, your medical condition might not be as accurately documented as it should be. It’s unfortunate, but games get played by the insurance company all the time. They often view your benefits as expenses. They have an incentive to minimize those expenses. More importantly, they know which doctors are more likely to play ball with your medical treatment and status.
Don’t let that happen to you. I offer free consultations to answer your questions and to discuss your options. If you can return to work, I want you to do that, but only when you’re medically ready to do it.
I have offices in Calloway County and in Christian County. If you need to speak with a Kentucky workers’ compensation attorney, contact my office.
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The office phone number is (270) 753-0053 or toll free at 800-844-5108. For more information, visit www.JeffRobertsLaw.com. My principal office is located at 509 Main Street, Murray, Kentucky. He also has an office located at 1910 S Virginia St, Suite 201, Hopkinsville.
