Disability Law

Atlanta & Douglasville Workers' Compensation Claimants: If You Are Unhappy With The Workers' Compensation Doctor, You May Be Entitled To Get A New Doctor

By Jack E. Clay

When someone is injured on the job, they may find themselves overwhelmed by the changes in their life. Work injuries are not only unexpected and painful, but can also be life-changing. If someone is hurt at work, it is important for the injured worker to seek legal advice to ensure that their rights are being protected.

In a previous post I referred to certain myths that, as a Douglasville workers? compensation attorney, I clarify for many of my clients. One misconception that injured workers have is that they can treat with any doctor they choose in all cases. This is not correct. However, I have successfully fought against insurance companies to get my clients to better doctors in many cases.

To put it simply, injured workers are entitled to a one time change of physician in most cases if there is a validly posted Panel of Physicians. An injured worker may be entitled to new doctor if a Panel of Physicians is not posted. Many times during the course of a workers? compensation case, the injured party wishes to obtain a second opinion about his or her on the job injury. This often happens if a serious procedure has been recommended or if the person is dissatisfied with their current physician. An injured worker is entitled to a one-time Independent Medical Evaluation with a doctor of his or her choosing if they have received weekly income benefits within the past 120 days. However, it must be noted that the insurance company is not required to authorize a change of physician just because the employee is unhappy with his or her current doctor.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a work accident or are unhappy with your workers' compensation doctor, please call my Douglasville injury law firm for a free consultation.

Full post as published by Georgia Law Blog on September 23, 2008 (boomark / email).