Seeking Medical Treatment After a Workplace Injury

Answer:

A question I sometimes get from injured employees is whether or not they should go see the company doctor. Follow-up discussion usually reveals that the employee believes the company doctor doesn’t have their best interests at heart. Is there anything that I can do? Under California law, it’s important for you to understand that the employer has the option of sending you to a doctor of their choice. With that being said, it’s important for you to understand that there are other options available to you throughout the Workers’ Compensation process. That includes seeing what sometimes is referred to as the “company doctor”, as well as trying to get referred out to either another doctor or another specialty. If you feel that there are issues with your current medical treatment, either because the doctor isn’t taking your injuries seriously or the employer isn’t taking the doctor’s work restrictions seriously, it’s important for you to understand that, under California law, you have rights. If you have any questions regarding this process under California Workers’ Compensation law, please feel free to give me a call. I’m happy to help.