Workers comp lawyer explains medical benefits and why you should avoid insurance company doctors
Our workers comp lawyers frequently tell people that one of the most important benefits under workers comp is medical treatment. You are entitled to unlimited medical treatment for your work injury. Medical treatment includes surgical and hospital services as well as prescription medications.
You can also get dental care, artificial limbs, eyeglasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs and other appliances necessary to cure or relieve the effects of your work injury.
You have the right to choose your own doctor after 28 days from your injury
Your employer or the insurance company can recommend a doctor, but you have the right to choose for yourself. To do this, notify your employer or the insurance company by providing the name and address of the doctor and your intent to treat for your injury.
Be careful treating with doctors recommended by your employer or the insurance company because of a potential conflict of interest. If your workers comp benefits are ever disputed, you need a doctor who will be on your side.
Beware of the dirty tricks the insurance companies play
Insurance companies will tell you that your medical treatment is not reasonable or necessary. Sometimes you will be told to just use your own health insurance. This is not correct!
You may also be sent for what is known as an independent medical evaluation or IME. There is nothing independent about these evaluations as the doctor is usually hand- picked by your employer or the insurance company. This evaluation may be used to justify the termination of your benefits.
If requested, you must make yourself available for the independent medical evaluation or risk losing your workers comp benefits. Do not confuse this doctor with someone who has your best interest at heart.
If you have been scheduled for an independent medical evaluation or have any other question about your medical benefits, call an experienced workers’ comp attorney at (855) 221-2667 for a free consultation. We will make sure that your legal rights are protected.
– Alex Berman is the founder of the law firm. He’s been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 30 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain medical treatment for their work injuries and never charges a fee to evaluate your case.
Related Information:
FAQs about workers compensation
How insurance companies use IME doctors to abuse the workers comp system