Did you know you have the right to choose your own doctor for a Kentucky workers’ compensation claim? It is important to know you don’t have to listen to your company’s doctor in order to to ensure you receive proper treatment, diagnosis, treatment and ultimately workers’ compensation benefits and compensation.
It is important for you to seek immediate and appropriate medical care as soon as possible after any injury at work in Kentucky. Presenting your case and gaining approval for full and appropriate medical treatment and workers’ compensation benefits through your employer’s workers’ compensation carrier can be a frustrating task.
Ched Jennings and the Jennings Law Offices have served injured workers in Louisville and across Kentucky for more than 40 years. You need the advice and counsel of one of the most experienced Kentucky workers’ comp attorneys available. We work to make sure you receive the medical care you need and the workers’ compensation benefits you deserve.
If you’re in need of a proven, experienced workers’ compensation lawyer or have questions about a personal injury or social security disability claim in the Louisville, KY, area we invite you to:
Contact the Jennings Law Offices
or call today to schedule a free, confidential consultation at
(502) 583-3882
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You Have the Right to Choose Your Own Doctor in Kentucky
First, and most importantly, in Kentucky you have the right to choose your own doctor to treat the effects of your work injury. It is common for employers to have “company doctors” and for your employer to require you to see that doctor following an injury at work.
Yes, you are required to submit to evaluation by a doctor of your employer’s choosing. However, you are also entitled to choose your own doctor for evaluation and treatment. These are part of the rights provided to you under Kentucky Workers’ Compensation law.
Selecting a doctor that you trust is very important. If you are looking for a treatment specialist, try talking with your primary care provider, family, and friends and even co-workers for recommendations to reputable treatment providers. If you already have a primary care provider that you trust, this person can be selected as your physician of record who will advise and direct your treatment by any necessary specialists.
Once you choose your doctor in a Kentucky workers’ comp case you are required to simply inform your employer of your choice. When communicating the choice of your own doctor to your employer, your employer will probably insist you see a doctor of their choosing. With regards to a company provided workers’ compensation doctor appointment be sure find out the following information:
How long will it take to get the appointment scheduled?
How will I be notified of approval or denial (workers’ comp benefits)?
When should I expect to hear back from you concerning this appointment?
If your employer attempts to prevent you from selecting your own physician, contact our offices immediately or call to speak with Ched personally at (502) 583-3882.
Now that you’ve been able to choose your own doctor for your Kentucky workers’ compensation claim the next step is to complete all evaluations and diagnosis and learn what your treatment recommendations are going to be. Every recommendation for treatment must be approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance carrier. At some point in your treatment, workers’ compensation may deny medical care that has been recommended.
Once treatment is denied you, as an injured worker in Kentucky, have a couple of options to continue seeking medical care. Once a procedure has been denied by workers’ compensation, the law allows the worker to utilize his own healthcare plan to cover treatment. If you choose to proceed with treatment using your own healthcare plan following denial by workers’ compensation, make sure to keep copies of all medical bills as these will become a part of your workers’ compensation lawsuit.
Alternatively, if you are unable to proceed with the medical treatment that you need to relieve and heal your work injury, you may be forced to wait until such time as the court orders your employer to cover your medical treatment. If you have reached a standstill with your treatment due to an inability to pay for the medical expenses, be sure to let your attorney from the Jennings Law Offices know as this can and will affect the strategy of your case.
Summary
You have the right to choose your own doctor for a Kentucky workers’ compensation claim. While you may be required to see the company doctor recommended by your employer after an injury at work, you have the right to make sure you have the right diagnosis and treatment plan. Your health is very important, so make sure that you take the time to find the best doctor(s) as well as the appropriate medical care needed to address your traumatic work injury.
The interference of an employer and their physician can feel overwhelming. If your employer attempts to interfere in the selection of your doctor or the process of obtaining appropriate medical treatment, don’t hesitate to contact us or call the at Jennings Law Offices (502) 583-3882 to speak with Ched personally to discuss your options and develop your personalized strategy.
The right workers compensation attorneys can make a significant difference in your case. Learn how our more than five decades of experience and Ched Jennings’ service as a commissioner for the Kentucky Department of Workers’ Claims provides informed insight and strength behind your case.