Switching Your Workers’ Compensation Doctor Could Enhance Your Chances of Receiving Benefits

Suffering an injury at work is a challenging experience for any employee. In Houston, it can be especially difficult without proper legal representation. Many laws are structured in ways that may not favor employees seeking workers’ compensation benefits.

One key issue is that your employer’s insurance company has the right to choose the doctor who will treat your injury. This is critical because the doctor’s diagnosis plays a significant role in determining whether you receive the benefits you’re entitled to.

When You Can Change Your Treating Physician

Although the insurance company determines where you initially receive treatment for your injury, you have the right to request a one-time change of the Workers Compensation Doctors Houston assigned to your case. In some cases, the insurance company may still choose the new doctor.

An exception to this rule occurs if the insurance company does not respond to your request for the one-time change within five days. If they fail to do so, you then have the right to select your own doctor.

Types of Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Workers’ compensation benefits may include medical care, rehabilitation, and disability payments to replace lost wages.

Medical care benefits cover hospital and other healthcare expenses related to diagnosing and treating your illness or injury. This typically includes doctor visits, medication, surgery if needed, and special equipment like a wheelchair.

Rehabilitation benefits provide medical and therapeutic care to help you recover and manage the injury you sustained at work. If your injury or illness hinders your ability to return to your previous job, these benefits may also cover expenses for training or education to help you qualify for a different position. This could include evaluation, retraining, and tuition.

Disability benefits offer financial compensation for lost wages. There are four types of disability payments you may qualify for temporary total disability, where you are expected to return to work; temporary partial disability, where you can’t perform all job duties but will eventually recover; permanent total disability, where you are unable to work again; and permanent partial disability, where you have a lasting injury but can still perform some job functions.