Can I Choose My Own Doctor Under Illinois' Workers' Compensation Law?
Yes, you can typically choose to see whatever doctor you prefer for treatment although there are some restrictions under the Illinois Workers Compensation Act. Consult with an attorney to learn about any restrictions that may apply to your situation.
What can an Employer Request During a Workers' Comp Claim?
While you can generally see whatever doctor you want for injuries related to a workplace accident, your employer has the right to ask for an independent medical evaluation to confirm your injury or illness.
They must pay for the exam and cannot try to use this information as a way to deny the claim itself. To understand what other things your employer is entitled to, consult an experienced Illinois workers' compensation attorney. They can help you decipher what requests are appropriate and what ones are not.
Why Would Your Employer Deny Your Claim?
There are many reasons and motivations for your employer to deny your Illinois workers' compensation claim. First, it's evidence of negligence or general misconduct. This can raise the cost of business especially for things like insurance.
However, they might also have valid reservations about the circumstances of the incident. For instance, they might reject the notion that you even suffered an injury or that it was bad as you claim. Alternatively, they might critique your preferred method of rehabilitation and the expenses that come with it.
Finally, they will often deny that the injury or aggravation occurred at work. Scattered among these defenses are a series of challenges for any worker bringing a claim for workers' compensation in Illinois. You must be able to confront them should you pursue recovery.
What can I do if my Claim is Rejected?
Employers constantly reject employee's claims for compensation. It's an unfortunate part of the workplace reality. What is fortunate though, and what many workers do not know, is that an employer rejection of your claim is not the end of the story.
Quite to the contrary, if your employer rejects your claim for workers' compensation in Illinois, you can contact their insurance company and demand payment.
Alternatively, you can bring a claim against them for compensation to the Illinois Workers' Compensation Commission. The second route is a very common choice for injured Illinois employees especially after they have brought on experienced counsel. Even though bringing a claim might create some tension between yourself and the company, you must fight for your rights and the benefits that you are entitled to receive.
More Questions, Just Contact Us!
While figuring out which doctor can treat your workplace injuries will be at the top of your mind following an accident, we know there will be more questions to come plus ones you never even imagined. That is why we try so hard to spread the word about Illinois workers' compensation laws and rules.
They matter. Employment injuries seriously affect workers' lives and it's important that they-or you if you are involved in one-know what you are entitled to and know what you need to do in order to attain your entitlements.
For years, our group of lawyers has worked with many injured workers. Across the innumerable kinds of injuries that we have seen, we find that all of their lives are similarly disrupted. At this time, we step in and offer them guidance and help to get them normalcy, compensation, and other forms of relief. We can do this for you. We can fight for you so that your injury doesn't define you.
Plus, Rosenfeld Workers' Compensation attorneys will provide a free case evaluation, with no obligation – simply complete the contact form or call us at 888-424-5757
For additional information see the following pages:
- Can I be Fired For Filing a Workers' Compensation Claim?
- How Much Will It Cost me to Use an Illinois Workers' Compensation Lawyer to Handle my Claim?
- I Have an Open Workers' Compensation Claim That I Have Received a Settlement Offer For. What Happens If I Settle That Claim?
- I Was Hurt Over a Year Ago at Work But Never Filed a Claim. Is It Too Late to Receive Illinois Workers' Compensation Benefits?
- What If I Was at Fault For my Work-Related Injury. Can I Still Get Workers' Compensation Benefits?
- What Kind of Benefits Can I Get When I File an Illinois Workers' Compensation Claim?
- What or Who is Covered Under The Workers' Compensation Laws of Illinois?
- What Should I do to Apply For Workers' Compensation Benefits If I Have Been Injured While Working at a Job or Factory In Illinois?
- When Should an Employee Seek The Help of an Illinois Workers' Compensation Attorney?
- Who is Responsible For Paying For Illinois Workers' Compensation Benefits?