Everyone should have the right to choose their own physician and place where they seek medical treatment. However, after a workplace injury, some people find themselves being directed to the doctor of their employer’s choice. Even if your employer insists that you see a particular doctor, you still have rights and options under the law, and you should consult with a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney as soon as possible.
Ensuring You Receive Proper Medical Care
Generally speaking, your employer does have the ability to dictate who provides treatment for your injuries that will be covered by workers’ compensation. However, there are instances when you can visit the facility of your choice:
- If it is an emergency situation, you can seek treatment from the nearest emergency facility and do not need to go to a specific medical provider
- If your employer denies that you need medical treatment and will not agree to a doctor, you can seek the treatment you need on your own
If you need emergency treatment, your first priority should be seeking medical help, and you might not even have time to report your injury to your employer – much less get provider instructions. You should still report your injury as soon as possible after you receive treatment, however.
If your employer refuses to agree that you need treatment, you should discuss the matter with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. We can advise you when it is appropriate to go ahead and seek treatment on your own without the authority of your employer.
Getting a Second Opinion
In many cases, employers and workers’ compensation insurers choose certain medical providers for a reason. The more treatment that a doctor recommends, the higher benefits the insurance company will need to payout. Both insurance companies and employers want to limit payments whenever possible, so they might select a doctor they know will benefit their position. Some doctors may limit treatment recommendations or provide less costly treatment for the purposes of limiting a worker’s claim.
Even if you see your employer’s doctor, you still deserve to receive all of the treatment you need for your recovery, no matter the cost to your employer. You might want to get a second opinion from your own doctor to see if their recommendations match up with your employer’s doctor. However, there is no guarantee that workers’ compensation will cover the costs of getting a second opinion, but it still might be necessary for you to advocate for your treatment needs and health.
Contact Our Freehold NJ Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Right Away
If you have questions about a workplace injury, medical treatment, or your workers’ compensation claim, do not wait to consult with a Freehold workers’ compensation attorney at Lomurro Law. You deserve to receive proper treatment for your injuries, as well as to have your treatment covered. Contact us online or call 732-482-9285 to discuss how we might help with your workers’ compensation claim today.