Have you or someone you love suffered an injury in the workplace? If so, the injured party is entitled to certain benefits called workers’ compensation. Those benefits include free medical care and compensation for lost wages. Unfortunately, if you have suffered a serious injury, it’s rare that you will obtain all the benefits you deserve without a fight.
Here are examples of some of the things that can go wrong if you suffer a work-related injury:
* Your lost wages benefits are denied or delayed.
* You receive lost wages for a while, but then those benefits are stopped.
* Your employer fills your position while you are unable to work.
* You lose your job because your employer terminates your employment.
* You have to wait a long time for a simple diagnostic test or treatment.
* Your doctor fails to order the tests and treatment you need.
* Your medical treatment is delayed.
* The doctor may claim your injury is not work-related.
* Your doctor says you are well enough to return to work before you are ready.
When you are injured at work, you must receive care from a medical provider who is authorized by your employer or the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. If you are not satisfied with the treatment you are receiving, you have a right to change doctors. It is important to consult with an attorney before doing this or even discussing this with the insurance carrier. You want to make sure that you see the best possible doctors but the insurance carriers and injured workers often do not agree in their evaluations.