You are entitled to medical treatment after a workplace injury in Orlando under the state workers’ compensation law. Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance carried by employers that covers work-related injuries and occupational illnesses. Almost all employers are required to have this insurance.
Workers’ compensation can be a lifeline when you are hurt and cannot work. Unfortunately, employers often do not clearly explain this employee benefit. If you have trouble getting your benefits or if you are unhappy with your medical care or provider’s disability assessment, contact us at The Florida Firm. Our experienced workers’ compensation attorneys have an outstanding track record of successful results for injured workers.
The Importance of Adhering to Deadlines
When you suffer a work-related injury or develop an occupational illness in Orlando, workers’ compensation provides free medical care until you recover or a doctor determines your condition is permanent. However, to receive this benefit, you must report your injury or illness within a certain time period. If you miss the deadline, the workers’ compensation insurer may deny your claim.
You have up to 30 days to notify your employer in writing of your injury or illness, but when possible, you should report the injury on the day it occurs. In the case of an occupational illness, you should report your diagnosis as soon as you receive it. Most HR departments have a reporting form for you to complete, but an email to your supervisor and the HR manager should suffice.
Sometimes, an employer or their insurance company will accept a late report if there is good cause for the delay. If you were unable to report your injury promptly, talk to one of our knowledgeable attorneys to explore your options.
Issues Regarding MMI and Permanent Disability
Your workers’ compensation doctor will treat you until you can return to work or you reach the point of maximum medical improvement (MMI). Reaching MMI means the medical provider believes that your condition is stable and any remaining impairments from your Orlando work-related injury or illness are permanent and will not benefit from further medical intervention.
At that point, you will likely have an exam to establish an impairment rating. The medical provider will determine how much bodily function you have lost and whether the loss impacts your ability to work. An impairment rating is expressed as a percentage: the higher your percentage, the higher your permanent disability payments will be.
If you disagree with your doctor’s decision about MMI or your impairment rating, you can appeal it or get a second opinion from another doctor. Speak with one of our attorneys at The Florida Firm about any medical decision that may negatively affect your benefits.
What if You Do Not Like Your Doctor?
Although free medical care is beneficial, it has some drawbacks. One is that your employer or the insurance company chooses the doctor you see in a workers’ compensation case. Most employers have a list of authorized physicians, chiropractors, and other healthcare providers for treating workers’ compensation patients.
You may not feel comfortable or supported by the chosen healthcare provider. You may feel that they do not listen well or take your concerns seriously, or you might not trust their motivations or competence. If you do not want that provider to continue to manage your healthcare, Florida Statutes § 440.13(2)(f) allows you to request a one-time change during the medical treatment of a specific workplace injury or illness in Orlando.
However, you do not get to choose the replacement doctor—the insurance company does. Because you have only one chance to switch healthcare providers, it is important to be strategic. Have a candid discussion with one of our trusted attorneys before requesting a new medical provider in a workers’ compensation case.
Consult Our Attorneys About Medical Care in Your Orlando Work-Related Injury Case
A severe injury or illness can have a long-term impact on your finances and ability to work. It is essential to obtain the benefits you are entitled to for medical treatment after a workplace injury in Orlando.
Our dedicated attorneys at Colling Gilbert Wright could advocate aggressively to secure the medical care and insurance benefits that you are due. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.