When you get injured at work, you have to follow a certain process. If you don’t do what you’re supposed to do, your workers comp claim will be denied. The first thing you need to do is let management or Human Resources know you were hurt. They’ll have you fill out an incident report. They’ll also arrange for you to be taken to the hospital or doctor’s office to get checked out.
You won’t have a choice in what doctor you see. That’s because, according to North Carolina state law, you must be treated by a company-approved physician. Your Wilmington workers comp claim lawyer would have a hard time getting you damages if you refused to be seen by the designated doctor.
You Must Be Treated by a Company Approved Doctor
Every state has its own workers compensation commission. The commission is responsible for overseeing the workers compensation process. They’re the body that determines if someone’s claim should be paid or not. They put together a list of qualified and approved doctors that you can choose from. If you refuse to get treated by one of these approved doctors, your benefits could be terminated.
Since your employer is the one paying for the insurance, they get to choose which doctors are covered. Is there a likelihood that the doctor will be biased in favor of your employer? Of course, there is. The good news is that your Wilmington workers comp lawyer can always have you get a second opinion.
You Also Have to Follow Your Treatment Plan
In addition to your being required to see an approved doctor, you also need to comply with the doctor’s treatment plan. If you don’t, your employer and the insurance company will say you failed to mitigate your damages and, therefore, should not receive benefits.
Until your Wilmington workers comp lawyer sends you to another doctor, you must continue to work with your workers comp physician. If you feel their treatment plan is not feasible or is making you worse, let your attorney know. They can reach out to your employer’s attorney and try to negotiate you seeing a new doctor.
Your Wilmington Workers Comp Claim Lawyer Can Get a Second Opinion
There are a couple critical moments in your workers compensation case that you may need a second opinion. For example, if you feel that the treatment plan wasn’t working, you need to let your Wilmington workers comp lawyer know. This may also become an issue when it’s time to go back to work.
If your doctor insists that you’re ready to return to work, they’ll let your attorney and the workers comp commission know. If you’re still in pain or unable to do your job, talk to your attorney. They can have you see another doctor to get a second opinion. If the second doctor doesn’t feel you’re ready to return to work, you may have to file legal action.
You Risk Having Your Claim Denied
There are some people who just stop going to the company-approved doctor. They do their own thing and then wonder why they stopped receiving benefits. You have to keep in constant contact with your attorney. Let them know what’s going on.
Never stop seeing your doctor without first meeting with your Wilmington workers comp lawyer. If you just stop going to treatment, your employer and the insurance company will find out. When that happens, they’ll terminate your benefits. This means your medical treatment may not be covered and you will no longer receive weekly replacement wages.
Call an Experienced Wilmington Workers Comp Lawyer Today
One of the things a lot of workers comp plaintiffs don’t understand is why they can’t be treated by their own doctor. Most people have a long-standing relationship with their primary physician. They don’t think it’s fair that they have to see a company-approved doctor. They complain that the doctor is going to take their employer’s side. The truth is, they’re probably right about this.
That’s why your Wilmington workers comp lawyer will get a second opinion. There is a chance that your employer’s chosen doctor will side with the insurance company. If you feel that the doctor is rushing you back to work before you’re ready, call our office. Talk to an experienced Wilmington workers comp lawyer who can help. The initial consultation is free, so you have nothing to lose.
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