When you are injured while at work, you might think that a workers' compensation claim is a simple and straightforward process. All you have to do is tell your boss that you were injured at work and the workers' compensation insurance provider will then pay for your medical expenses and lost wages. However, even a well-meaning insurance adjuster or employer might make mistakes when handling your claim or may give you bad advice. For this reason, it's always important to instead have your case handled by a workers' compensation lawyer.
Beware of Bad Advice
After being injured at work, you will need to receive medical treatment for your injuries. Your employer might tell you to speak with the claims adjuster working for the worker's compensation insurance provider to receive a list of qualified doctors. However, this is actually terrible advice.
Many workers' compensation insurance providers do not provide a list of doctors in the first place. Even if the insurance provider does provide you with recommendations for doctors to see, these medical professionals are more likely to be biased in favor of the workers' compensation insurance provider.
Only an Attorney is Qualified to Give Legal Advice
This problem can be avoided by speaking with a workers' compensation lawyer. Only a lawyer is trained to give you advice that will not end up jeopardizing your case if you follow it. Therefore, you should involve an attorney in your case as early as possible.
How to Find a Specialist
To receive a referral, you could simply see your doctor. After examining you, your doctor will most likely refer you to a specialist. However, if you do not have a doctor, you may also ask your workers' compensation attorney for a referral.
While handling their cases, workers' compensation lawyers work with a large number of doctors and will be able to refer you to a doctor who has handled workers' compensation cases in the past.
Don't Jeopardize Your Case
Choosing the right doctor is important because what your doctor says about your injuries can affect whether your claim is denied and how much you will receive in compensation. If you are too injured to return to work, you will need a doctor's note.
Aspects of your case that might seem unimportant could actually jeopardize your case. What you say can be used against you during your workers' compensation claim. For this reason, it's always a good idea to speak with a workers' compensation lawyer.
