Can I Use My Own Doctor After A Work Injury?

Whether or not you’re able to choose a doctor on your own depends on the type of claim you file. If you’re filing a personal injury claim, you should seek initial treatment at an urgent care facility or hospital. If the physician refers you for additional treatment, you must follow their orders. It’s important to realize that not all doctors take personal injury cases. Some never accept any payments from a third party liability carrier or personal injury policy. When that happens, you should seek the advice of a lawyer who could recommend doctors they know accept personal injury victims.

When it comes to workers’ compensation claims, South Carolina law requires workers to seek treatment from doctors their employer chooses. If you want to receive benefits, your employer or the company’s insurance representative will likely determine the doctors you’re allowed to see and which facilities you’re allowed to go to for treatment of your injuries. If the doctor they choose is far away from where you live, you could receive reimbursement for traveling to and from your appointments if it’s over ten miles.

If for some reason you don’t like the doctor your employer sent you to, you would have to contact your employer’s insurance carrier to request a new doctor. You could also request a hearing with the SC Workers’ Compensation Commission, where they would listen to your situation and determine what to do about it. Feeling comfortable with the physician you visit for your recovery is essential. No one should force you to treat with anyone you don’t feel completely satisfied seeing. There are options available to find the right doctor for you.

Keep in mind; you’re allowed to schedule appointments with doctors you choose as well; however, your medical bills won’t get covered by workers’ compensation. South Carolina requirements clearly state that your injuries must undergo treatment by a doctor chosen by your employer. If you decide you want a second opinion or additional treatment with a doctor you trust, you’re required to pay for that yourself.

If you sustained an injury and are unsure of where to seek medical care, you should hire a lawyer from Hammack Law Firm. We’ll help you navigate through the complex legal process, so you receive the benefits you need. There are various laws and statutes when it comes to this situation, and our lawyers know how to handle it for our clients.

When you hire us, we’ll work diligently to ensure you take the appropriate steps to receive approved treatment that allows for payment of benefits. With over 19 years of experience recovering settlements for our clients, you can feel confident knowing you’re in excellent hands.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and provide sound legal advice. You can trust us to provide you with superior customer service at all times. We’re committed to fighting for our clients and ensuring fair treatment. Call us today at (864) 479-8742, and we’ll schedule you for a free consultation. There’s no risk or obligation to speak with us and receive guidance from a knowledgeable lawyer.

Our Client Bill of Rights offers a 30-day unconditional satisfaction guarantee —no costs and no fees. We serve our Greenville clients in all areas of personal injury, including auto and motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, and boating accidents.

To get started with our Greenville personal injury law firm, please simply contact us online or call (864) 326-3333(864) 326-3333 for a free consultation.