(864) 582-0416 One of the most important steps following a work-related injury is to seek medical care from a professional. Getting medical treatment after a workplace injury in Spartanburg can provide you with a path to recovery while also giving you medical records that can help prove the nature of your injury in a workers’ comp claim.
Here are some things to know about medical care and what to do if you want to file a workers’ compensation claim. An attorney at Holland & Usryy can help you determine how to proceed with a claim and use your medical documents as evidence. Call now for a FREE case review.
Following a workplace injury in Spartanburg, medical treatment is essential for injured workers for a couple of key reasons.
One reason is that a proper assessment from a licensed medical professional will provide you with a clear diagnosis and treatment to help you reach a full recovery or maximum medical improvement (MMI). It’s crucial for you to adhere to your doctor’s advice and inform them if you want to make any changes to your care plan.
Additionally, getting professional care will provide you with medical records, bills, and receipts that you can use to help you recover total compensation for your work injury. Workers’ compensation claims typically cover medical expenses and some lost income resulting from injuries on the job, plus a final settlement for permanent injury, and medical documents will go a long way in helping prove that the accident caused your injuries, along with their extent.
At the same time, it’s important to act fast, as the longer you wait to seek medical treatment after your injury, the harder it will be to prove that the accident was the cause.
In Spartanburg, SC, workers must seek medical care from a doctor who falls under their employers’ workers’ compensation insurance coverage. Upon reporting the injury to your employer, which you must do within 90 days of the accident, they can draft an accident report and indicate covered medical professionals.
However, after seeing the approved professional, you can see an independent doctor, who may confirm or contradict the account of the first doctor, provided you get approval from your employer and their insurer beforehand. Getting a second opinion can be a hard-fought process, so you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer first.
Generally, you will be able to see an unapproved doctor for medical treatment under limited circumstances. For example, you may be able to get treatment from your own physician if you need immediate care at the nearest emergency room. You may also see another doctor if the authorized physician refers you to a specialist, or you can request an independent medical examination if there’s a dispute regarding your condition or capacity for work.
Seeking medical treatment after a workplace injury in Spartanburg is the first major step you must take to build a successful workers’ comp claim. While many cases don’t need the involvement of a lawyer, such as those involving minor injuries like bumps and bruises, it can help to consult an attorney with experience navigating these claims. Our team at Holland & Usry can give you the resources needed to help you proceed with a claim, or you can get representation if you need to file a more complicated claim after suffering a more serious injury. Contact us today for a FREE case review.
