Using the Panel of Physicians
At your company's or their insurer's expense, you have the right to pick from the list any doctor to examine and treat you. Additionally, you can change to another doctor on the Panel without the insurance company's or the State Board of Workers' Compensation's approval.
Please review the Panel of Physicians carefully. One of the clauses states that your employer or the insurance company can send you to a doctor of their choosing for an independent medical exam.
This Panel has to be posted in an area that's noticed by all employees on the job site. Your Atlanta Workers' Compensation attorney can explain how your company should handle your injury and their responsibilities in the Workers' Compensation claims process as well as your personal responsibilities.
Getting a Second Opinion
Within a window of 120 days after receiving income benefits you can obtain a second opinion with a doctor of your choice. Additionally, you can get this second opinion through requesting permission from the State Board of Workers' Compensation.
Companies that Fail to Comply
Despite the State of Georgia strictly enforcing this law, many companies choose to ignore the requirements. If you work for a company that fails to follow the regulations, you should speak with your Atlanta Workers' Compensation attorney right away to discuss your legal options.
Remember, when you see the doctor, be careful in what you say because it can be held against you in the course of your Georgia Workers' Compensation claim.
Contacting an Atlanta Workers' Compensation Attorney
If you are the victim of someone else's negligence or carelessness, whether in a loading dock accident, traffic accident or some other type of accident, you have certain rights guaranteed by law. To help you understand these rights and seek the compensation you may be eligible for to help get your life back in order, contact the Atlanta Law Offices of Sheryl L. Burke for a no-cost consultation on your injury case.