- October 15, 2018
It is important to be treated by a good doctor if you have been injured at work. However, you may not know which doctor you can see or what is allowed under the law. You may wonder if you have to go to the doctor chosen by your employer. You may want to see your usual physician. This article will answer all the common queries.
Your employer will probably give you a list of approved doctors from which you can choose. However, under the laws of Louisiana, you can choose any qualified doctor following a work-related injury. The doctors on your employer’s list already have a relationship with the workers’ comp insurer. They have experience in dealing with many on-the-job injuries. Still, you are not obligated to see them.
What a Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Attorney Will Tell You About Determining Which Doctor to See
Many large employers have a doctor on call. Even if you were treated initially by your employer’s doctor, you’re not obligated to continue with them. Not all doctors are the same so you want to choose one whom you can trust. Doctors differ in their opinions of which injuries are disabling and which treatment options should be pursued. Some are not even convinced about workers’ compensation claims. You need to choose a doctor who will properly investigate your condition. They should be comfortable with handling workers’ compensation cases.
Under Louisiana Revised Statutes 23:1121, you have the right to choose a doctor in any field or specialty. However, after your initial choice, you will have to get consent from your employer to switch to another physician in that field. If you want to be treated by a doctor in a different field, you don’t need to seek permission. This means you can opt to see your usual family doctor. If he refers you to a specialist, you can be treated without seeking approval.
Factors a Workers’ Comp Attorney in Baton Rouge Will Discuss with You
When you consult a Louisiana workers’ compensation attorney, they will advise you on some of the finer details. For example, the law requires you to submit to an exam by a physician chosen by your employer, if requested. If you don’t agree to this request, your workers’ compensation benefits may be stopped.
There is something else you should be aware of if your care is likely to cost more than $750,
Your doctor will have to get approval from the workers’ comp insurer before he can continue treating you. The only exception is in cases of medical emergency. However, the insurance company cannot withhold consent for treatment without probable cause. One such example is if they believe your injuries were not caused by a workplace accident.
Some employers may try to deny your request to choose your own physician. If this happens, your workers’ comp attorney can help. Ask them to request a hearing before a workers’ compensation judge in Baton Rouge, LA.
The Importance of Hiring a Louisiana Workers’ Compensation Attorney
You should hire an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer in Baton Rouge as soon as possible after your injury. You are probably unfamiliar with the workers’ comp process and it can be overwhelming. Handling legal issues while recovering from illness or injury is difficult. Your lawyer will be able to guide you as you fill out forms, choose a doctor and get treatment. They will assist you in getting the compensation you deserve.
An attorney is also invaluable if your doctor and your employer’s doctor don’t agree. They may differ on the severity of your condition or the required method of treatment. If this occurs, you may be able to get an independent medical exam. You can do this by filling out the required form and submitting it to the Office of Workers’ Compensation Administration. An attorney can guide you on the correct steps to take during this process.
Call Louisiana Injury Lawyers for a Consultation Today!
Workers’ compensation law can be difficult to understand and settling a claim can be time- and energy-consuming. Focus on recovery and let a workers’ comp attorney in Baton Rouge, LA handle all the legal battles. Having an attorney on your side can help to ensure your case goes as smoothly as possible.
If you don’t have legal representation, the insurance adjuster will make most of the decisions. They may not be in your favor since his duty is to his employer. At Louisiana Injury Lawyers, we are committed to helping you after your workplace injury. Contact us today for a consultation and let us discuss what we can do for you.