3 questions to ask your doctor after sustaining a work injury
As an Illinois employee, you know you have the right to file a workers’ compensation claim after a workplace injury. One thing you might not realize is that there is no guarantee that your claim will be approved.
While many workers’ comp claims proceed without problems, you should always stand ready to protect your benefits. One way to do so is to learn everything possible about your injury and long-term prognosis.
That way, you are armed with information if your employer or their insurance carrier denies your claim.
Ask for details about the injury
Of course, your doctor will tell you if you strained your back or broke a bone, but the more details you can get the safer your workers’ compensation claim. Ask for specifics like these:
- Probable mechanism of injury
- Common treatments for the injury
- Short- or -Long-term complications
- Period of recovery
Be sure you obtain copies of all medical records related to your diagnosis, as you may need them to prove your claim.
Ask about diagnostic measures
Physicians use many techniques and tools to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. For example, they can often identify injuries during a physical examination of the patient. To ensure they do not overlook anything, doctors also use X-rays and other diagnostic tools to confirm the initial diagnosis.
Ask your doctor what methods they used to diagnose your injury and get copies of all your test results. Your official medical records can do much to safeguard your workers’ compensation benefits.
Those who have trouble getting their claim approved may benefit from the guidance of an experienced worker’s compensation representative.