Michigan workers comp lawyer shows you how to get medical care even when your claim has been denied.
The most important benefit under workers comp is access to medical care. Your employer or its insurance company is responsible for providing all reasonable and necessary medical treatment for your work injury. You have the right to select your own doctor after 28 days.
Unfortunately, some insurance companies ignore the law and will only authorize treatment with their doctors. This is done to control medical costs and to manipulate your work restrictions. Our experience has been that insurance company doctors will not perform expensive tests or make referrals to specialists.
We frequently see clients with significant back injuries who have been refused basic medical treatment. They are told they have a sprain or strain and to return to work. When they finally do see their own doctor, the insurance company will not authorize an MRI or any additional treatment.
Use your own health insurance to pay disputed medical bills
It is critical to get proper medical care for your work injury. Do not suffer in silence just because workers comp has disputed your claim. If you are not getting better, find your own doctor for treatment. Most health insurance companies will pay for disputed medical care provided that you sign a reimbursement agreement and pay them back if you win your workers comp case. This will allow you to get the medical treatment that you need rather than waiting until your workers comp case is resolved. This will also allow you to obtain important evidence that you have a continuing problem and it is work-related. A workers comp lawyer can negotiate with your health insurance company to reduce any repayment that is owed. These companies will take pennies on the dollar in a disputed workers comp case. Keep track of any co-pays or deductibles and demand that workers comp pays you back. The goal is always to maximize the amount of money that you recover for your injury.Other options if you don't have health insurance
You can also get medical coverage through Medicaid. This is a state program that assists individuals with low income and limited assets by providing health insurance. You will be expected to pay Medicaid back for any medical treatment that should have been paid under workers comp. You should also explore your local community for free health clinics and other low-cost options. While you might not get all the medical treatment that you need, it is a way to document your injury and get some relief. Some doctors will see you on a cash only basis and will charge you significantly less because you have no insurance. This is also a good way to document your injury and provide evidence of a problem.Get help from a workers comp lawyer
You should never be charged to discuss your workers comp case. An experienced workers comp lawyer will be happy to provide you with free telephone and office advice. You only pay a fee if you get benefits. To speak with one of our experienced workers comp lawyers, call (855) 221-2667 for a free telephone consultation. We will make sure that your rights are protected and that you get maximum benefits under the law. - Alex Berman is the founder of Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers. Hes been representing injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Alex has helped countless people obtain workers compensation benefits and never charges a fee to evaluate a case. Related information: How insurance companies use IME doctors to abuse the workers comp system Workers comp pays medical for workplace injuries in Michigan - Photo courtesy of Creative Commons, by Muffet.02/01/2012
