Over the years I have had clients ranging from medical doctors to high school cashiers. Regardless of their age, background, experience, or education, they all get bogged down by the complexities of the workers’ compensation system. With this in mind, there are certain steps you can do early on to help preserve your benefits for the future.
- Report the accident/incident to your employer immediately.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible.
- Inform the doctor that you were injured at work, and what body part(s) hurts.
- Be open and honest with your doctor at all times.
- Have your doctor write work restrictions and provide it to your employer.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations.
- Keep track of your mileage to and from the doctor, along with parking costs.
- Keep track of your time off of work
- Keep receipts
- If you are not returning to your date of injury employer, but are still able to work, you must do a job search.
- Get a QRC.
Do you have to treat with a company doctor? In most cases, an injured worker is free to choose their own doctor. What you are not allowed to do is jump from doctor to doctor, which makes choosing the right doctor early on very important. Choosing the right doctor is an important part of your claim. Like anything else, there are good and bad doctors. First and foremost, you want to choose a doctor that is going to help you get better. You also want to choose a doctor that is willing to provide information in the form of reports or testimony. After the injured worker has been seen by the same physician (3) times, that physician is considered to be a primary care provider. You are entitled to second opinions and/or change of physician, if there are good reasons to do so.
What happens if the insurer denies your benefits? There are many reasons why an insurer may deny your benefits. The insurer may deny the entire injury, or various benefits like wage loss benefits or medical treatment. Do not abandon your claim simply because the insurance company has denied it. You are entitled to these benefits and with help can re-claim them.
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