Receiving medical care after a work-related injury is the first thing you should do in order to start your road to recovery. However, you need to make sure you are receiving proper medical care and advice.
Selecting a Doctor
The state of California has a medical system called the Medical Provider Networks (MPN). It was created to diagnose and treat work-related injuries. Most employers in California have a pre-approved MPN. If your employer does, you will need to select a pre-approved medical provider in the MPN.
It is important to seek medical care from a doctor who specializes in your particular injury. It is also important that you select a doctor from the MPN who will listen, care and help you get better, not someone who takes orders from the insurance company handling your claim.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Your lawyer should have experience handling workers’ compensation claims. That way, your attorney can help you throughout the entire process. Experienced workers’ compensation attorneys know the MPN system and can ensure that you see the appropriate doctor for your injury and receive the best medical care possible. If you feel that you are receiving insufficient medical treatment, your lawyer can address this issue and help get it taken care of as quickly as possible.
Well-practiced attorneys are also knowledgeable in:
- The value of your claim: an attorney can help ensure that you are being fairly compensated.
- What legal benefits you are entitled to: insurance companies may not tell you about all of them.
- The appeals process for denied claims
- Settlements and negotiations
Receiving specialized and high-quality medical care is very important for your health. When a work-related injury occurs, you are entitled to just that: high-quality medical care. Your employer should provide you with a list of good doctors, but be aware that some doctors may be more on the side of the employer than on your side. Your attorney can provide assistance and guidance in these matters, as well as help ensure you are receiving the best quality medical care possible.
