Most Rhode Island employers with one or more employees are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance to provide coverage for lost wages and medical treatment to their employees who are injured on the job. If you are injured at work, one of the first things you will likely want to do is see a doctor. This is an important step as you want to make sure that your injuries are taken care of.
There are certain rules in Rhode Island that you will need to be aware of when choosing a doctor to treat your work-related injury. For instance, you may choose the first doctor you go to for treatment. However, you may need permission to change providers or see a specialist. An experienced Pawtucket workers’ compensation lawyer can assess the facts of your case and may be able to file a Pawtucket workers’ compensation lawsuit for you.
Can I Be Treated by My Own Doctor?
You can choose the first doctor you see for treatment of a work-related injury. It is important to report the injury to your employer right away and let them know that you intend to seek medical treatment for the injury. You will also want to make sure that you fill out an incident report and that your employer reports the incident to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier.
If your injury is severe, you should seek emergency treatment. You may go to an emergency room and will still be able to choose a doctor to treat your injury after the emergency room visit. Once you chose a doctor to treat you after any emergency room visit, this becomes your “first choice” or “initial provider.” Any change in providers or treatment may require permission from your employer, the workers’ compensation insurance company or in some cases, the Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Court.
Can My Doctor Refer Me to Another Provider?
Your initial doctor may refer you to specialists and other providers for an assessment, consultation or for specialized treatment of your work-related injury without prior approval. This can include surgeons, orthopedists, psychiatrists, optometrists, podiatrists, and dentists to name a few. These services will be covered by workers’ compensation so long as they are directly related to treating the injury you sustained at work.
If you require surgery for your injury, you may need to get the prior approval of your employer or the insurance company. This will depend on the type of surgery you may need. If your request for surgery is denied, permission for the surgery must be obtained through the Rhode Island Workers’ Compensation Court. In situations like these, it is a good idea to consult an experienced Pawtucket workers’ compensation lawyer who can make sure you get all the benefits you are entitled to.
Contact an Experienced Pawtucket Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you have been injured while at work, you may be entitled to receive workers’ compensation benefits for your lost wages, medical bills, and in some cases vocational rehabilitation. We work with experienced workers’ compensation lawyers who do not charge legal fees unless you receive an award or settlement. For a free (no obligation) case evaluation, call us today at 1-401-365-6001 or toll free at 1-800-992-6878. You may also fill out our contact form online.
Source:
Paul d’Oliveira
Attorney Paul d’Oliveira has been practicing personal injury and disability law for over 30 years. He started his personal injury law practice in 1989 with two offices in Fall River, MA and East Providence, RI. Today his firm has 16 offices in RI and Southeastern, MA.
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