Suffering from a workplace injury can be an exhausting and draining experience, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies and workers' compensation claims.
After experiencing an injury, you can expect to go through medical treatment and consult with an expert doctor to obtain a medical report that outlines your condition. However, in some cases, you may disagree with the medical report findings. If this happens, you may wonder what options are available to you.
Let’s explore further what you can do if you disagree with your workers' comp medical report.
Understand What the Medical Report Entails
Before you conclude that you disagree with a medical report, you should first take the time to read it thoroughly and understand all the facts. Ensure that you understand all the medical jargon and consult with your doctor if you have any concerns or questions. Make sure that all the details in the report are accurate and up-to-date. If there are any inaccuracies, you can ask for revisions as needed.
Get a Second Opinion
If you are unhappy with the findings mentioned in your medical report, you can always seek a second opinion. You have the right to request another medical examination with a different doctor for reassessment. This reassessment can sometimes provide additional details and more accurate information that’s relevant to your case.
File a Workers' Comp Claim Dispute
If you disagree with your medical report and have additional medical evidence to back up your claim, it may be time to file a workers' comp claim dispute. A dispute can arise when the insurance company disagrees with the injured worker's claim of what caused the injury or condition, whether the employee was injured on the job, or the extent of disability. In such cases, the dispute resolution process can help bring your case to a resolution.
Work with an Attorney
In addition to seeking a second opinion, another way to dispute a medical report is to work with an attorney experienced in handling workers' comp claims. Lawyers can provide seasoned advice on what steps to take next to challenge the report findings. They can also assist with filing a workers' comp dispute case and representing you in administrative hearings or court.
Be Persistent & Patient
Remember, the process of disputing a medical report in workers' comp claims can be lengthy, and it can take some time to achieve a resolution. Make sure to document everything correctly and keep accurate records of your medical documents. Patience and persistence will be key assets in navigating this process.
Contact Us for Legal Assistance
In short, it's not uncommon for workers to disagree with the results of their workers' comp medical report, and the steps discussed above can help you understand, navigate, and overcome your disagreements. By reading the report carefully, seeking a second opinion, filing a workers' comp dispute, working with an attorney, and being patient, you can get your claim sorted out and ensure you get the compensation you deserve.
Remember, you have the right to advocate for your rights; don't give up until you receive the medical benefits and compensation that you are entitled to receive. If you need legal assistance at any point during this process, don’t hesitate to contact Smolich and Smolich for support.
Send us a message online today and ask about getting a free initial consultation.