When you’re injured on the job, it’s crucial to know your rights to medical treatment under Georgia workers’ compensation laws. At Bader Scott Injury Lawyers, our legal team understands the challenges you face as an injured worker in Carrollton. We’re here to ensure you get the medical coverage you deserve without the hassle and stress.
You don’t have to deal with this complex process alone. Call our workers’ compensation medical treatment lawyers in Rome for a free consultation. Our Carrollton workers’ compensation lawyers are here to fight for your rights and help you get the medical treatment you need.
Medical Care Covered by Workers’ Compensation
Workers’ compensation covers a wide range of medical care to ensure injured workers receive the necessary treatment for their recovery. This includes:
- Emergency care
- Surgeries
- Hospital stays
- Doctor’s visits
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy
- Diagnostic tests such as X-rays and MRIs
- Medical equipment like crutches or wheelchairs.
- Rehabilitation services, including vocational training
All medical care must be provided by an authorized treating physician from your employer’s Panel of Physicians to be eligible for coverage. These comprehensive benefits aim to facilitate a full recovery and support your return to work. Contact our personal injury lawyer in Carrollton for more detailed information on your case.
Coverage Limits and Extent of Workers’ Compensation Medical Care
Workers’ compensation in Georgia covers all reasonable and necessary medical expenses related to your work injury without any dollar limit on the total amount covered. This means that as long as the medical care is authorized and deemed necessary by your authorized treating physician, it will be covered in full. There is no co-payment or percentage that you must pay out-of-pocket for these services. However, it’s essential to follow the procedures set by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance, such as using doctors from the Panel of Physicians.
For a free legal consultation with a workers' compensation medical treatment lawyer serving Carrollton, call (404) 888-8888
You Have a Right to Select an Authorized Treating Physician
Per Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation, to have your medical care covered by workers’ compensation, your healthcare provider must usually be an authorized treating physician from your employer’s Panel of Physicians. Choosing the right physician is critical as they oversee your treatment plan, including referrals to specialists and rehabilitation services.
If your initial physician isn’t suitable, Georgia law allows you to change your authorized treating physician once during your case without needing approval from your employer or their insurance company.
Legal Requirements for the Panel of Physicians in Carrollton
By law, the Panel of Physicians must include at least six doctors to ensure comprehensive care for injured workers. This panel must feature at least one orthopedic specialist and no more than two industrial clinics. Additionally, the panel must include a minority physician to provide diverse medical perspectives. Employers are required to post this panel prominently in the workplace or provide it as a handout to employees. This setup ensures that workers have access to a variety of medical services, covering both general practice and specialized care.
The Role of the Authorized Treating Physician
The authorized treating physician (ATP) acts as the primary doctor responsible for your care. The ATP diagnoses your injury, prescribes treatment, and oversees your recovery process. This physician coordinates all aspects of your medical care, including referrals to specialists, ordering diagnostic tests, and recommending rehabilitation services.
The ATP also provides medical reports and documentation needed to support your workers’ compensation claim. These reports can influence decisions regarding your benefits and work status.
As a doctor chosen and approved by your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance company, an ATP may be more inclined to side with the company’s best interests rather than yours. They may choose treatments to save the company money or return you to light duty slightly sooner than you should. It’s our job to make sure you receive the full health care your injuries require.
To learn how our Carrollton workers’ compensation medical treatment lawyers can protect your rights to full medical treatment, call Bader Scott Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation.
Carrollton Workers' Compensation Medical Treatment Lawyer Near Me (404) 888-8888
You Have the Right to Obtain a Second Opinion
If your workers’ compensation benefits have been prematurely cut off, you can seek a second medical opinion. You must give written notice to your employer or its insurance company before getting a second opinion on your work-related injury.
The Carrollton workers’ compensation medical treatment lawyers with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can process your second medical opinion for you. They can ensure your treatment plan is appropriate and your rights are protected.
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Your Employer May Request an Independent Medical Exams (IMEs)
Employers and their insurers may request an independent medical examination (IME) to verify the severity of your injury and the necessity of ongoing treatments. An IME is conducted by a physician who does not regularly treat you and is selected by the employer or insurance company.
The findings from an IME can impact your claim, potentially leading to the suspension or reduction of your benefits. If you are asked to attend an IME, it’s essential to prepare and understand your rights. Consulting with our workers’ compensation medical treatment lawyers in Rome could help you through this process and protect your interests.
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Steps to Follow for Workers’ Compensation in Carrollton
The workers’ compensation process involves several key steps. You should follow these steps to ensure you receive the benefits and medical care you deserve:
- Report your injury: Notify your employer about the workplace injury immediately but no later than 30 days after the incident.
- Seek medical treatment: Visit an authorized treating physician from your employer’s Panel of Physicians as soon as possible.
- File a claim: Submit a workers’ compensation claim by completing Form WC-14 and filing it with the Georgia State Board of Workers’ Compensation within one year of the injury.
- Follow your ATP’s treatment plan: Adhere to the treatment plan prescribed by your authorized treating physician to ensure continuous coverage and benefits.
- Attend hearings: If your claim is disputed, attend all scheduled hearings and provide the necessary documentation.
The workers’ compensation attorneys with Bader Scott Injury Lawyers can help guide you through this process and protect your rights to complete medical treatment.
Contact Bader Scott Injury Lawyers to Protect Your Right to Medical Treatment
Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be challenging. Whether you need to select a physician, change your doctor, seek a second opinion, or attend an IME, having a knowledgeable legal advocate on your side can make a significant difference.
Bader Scott Injury Lawyers is dedicated to helping injured workers in Carrollton receive the medical benefits they deserve. For a free consultation, contact us today. Our law firm is here to assist you through every step of your workers’ compensation claim.
Call or text (404) 888-8888 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form