By Controlling Doctors, Insurance Carriers Can Control Workers' Compensation Medical Benefits
If you have been injured on the job in Florida, you are entitled to free medical care and prescription drugs for as long as your injury continues as long as you keep the Statute of Limitations open. Unfortunately, some workers' compensation doctors are too willing to do what the insurance carrier wants them to do when providing your care.
I'm attorney Joseph Rooth. Since 1994, I've helped injured workers in Florida obtain the full medical benefits they deserve from workers' compensation. I offer a free initial consultation to answer your questions and concerns about workers' compensation medical benefits.
Examples of Injuries Covered by Workers' Compensation
Covered injuries include those that happen suddenly as well as those that develop over time. Here are examples of some of the injuries Florida's workers' compensation covers:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS)
- Repetitive stress injury (RSI)
- Back injury and neck injury
- Lifting injury
- Brain injury, brain damage, or head injury
- Rotator cuff tears or shoulder injury
- Knee or elbow injury
- Tendonitis
- Respiratory illness
- Chemical burns
- Crush injury
- Amputation
- Herniated disc
- Chemical burns
- Paralysis
Your Right to Medical Care
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. However, since your employer or insurance company pays the bills, they sometimes try to influence the care you receive. Here are examples of some of the medical issues that may arise in a worker's compensation case:
- 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
- In determining if you are ready to return to work, the doctor may not consider the pain you are experiencing
- Your doctor says you are well enough to return to work before you are ready
If you are not satisfied with the treatment you are receiving, you have a right to change doctors. In some cases, you may be able to select your own primary care doctor. 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 get sent to the best possible doctors and the insurance carriers do not always do this.
Free Lawyer Consultation
To discuss your workers' compensation medical benefit concerns with me, attorney Joseph Rooth, call 888-766-6510 or fill out the contact form on this site. With offices in New Port Richey, Spring Hill, Seminole and Clearwater, I represent clients throughout the Tampa Bay and central gulf coast area in Florida.
