Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing a Workers’ Comp Case: Part II

In Part One of this series, we discussed the importance of acting right away after an on-the-job accident occurs, as well as telling your doctor the full extent of your injuries without creating false symptoms or injuries. In Part Two of our series, our Lancaster workplace accident attorney will discuss mistakes related to doctor selection and failure to heed the doctor’s advice.

Error 3: Using the Employer’s Doctor and Failing to Choose Your Own Physician

Unfortunately, many hurt workers may not even realize that they do not have to use an employer-provided doctor. While using the company’s doctor may seem like a convenience or requirement, it is not mandatory, and more often than not, a workplace accident lawyer will advise against using the employer’s doctor.

The law provides employees with the ability to select and visit any doctor of their own choosing, along with any other healthcare providers that may be recommended by the primary care physician. Additionally, you should be aware that you, as the injured worker, are entitled to obtain second opinions, including the tests and/or services recommended by those physicians offering such opinions.

Error 4: Failing to Abide by the Doctor’s Treatment Plan or Follow His Recommendations, Advice and Orders

If you want to ensure the downfall of your workers’ comp case, simply do not do what your doctor tells you to do. We cannot stress enough the importance of following your physician’s orders, recommendations and treatment plan. If the doctor wants you to return for follow-up exams and tests, or he needs you to attend physical therapy, make sure you go to these appointments. All too often, people think that certain treatments and recommendations are “optional” as opposed to required. And more often than not, injured individuals incorrectly think that when they start feeling better, they no longer need treatment. This simply is not realistic, and you are leaving a wide opening for the insurance company to claim that your injuries are not as severe as you claimed because of your failure to follow treatment recommendations.

Our Lancaster workplace accident attorney knows all too well that symptoms will lessen during the treatment process; however, if you stop receiving treatment or following the doctor’s guidelines, those symptoms can return, and in some instances, they can come back worse than they were originally. That said, you are reminded to tell your doctor every little detail you can think of about your injuries and the feelings you’re experiencing, despite how minor they may seem. You are also encouraged to discuss any injuries that were present before the accident. Even if you had pre-existing injuries, you may still be entitled to compensation for those stemming from the incident at issue.

Dealing With a Worker’s Comp Case? Our Lancaster Workplace Accident Attorney Can Help

You don’t have to attempt to handle your workers’ compensation case on your own. Any Lancaster workplace accident attorney at our firm can help you with your case and discuss how the process works under the law. Contact our office for immediate assistance.