Workers’ Compensation – Can I pick my doctor?
If you are injured at work, you may be wondering, can I pick my doctor? Mississippi’s laws allow people hurt at work to choose their doctor. A person’s right to have themselves looked at by their choice of physician was so crucial that our legislature included it in the workers’ compensation statute initially passed in 1948. This allows someone who gets hurt at work to seek medical treatment from a provider they want to see.
There are some exceptions to this rule, like if you sign a Choice of Physician (COP) form, if you treat with a doctor for six months or if a doctor performs surgery, they could be considered your choice of physician. For purposes of worker’s compensation, your physician’s medical records and notes will be crucial in obtaining a recovery for your case. Your Employer can also force you to attend an appointment with a doctor of their choosing, which can lead to other physicians getting involved and reviewing your records.
If you were hurt at work and had a choice of physician form shoved in your face that you begrudgingly or unknowingly signed, there could be options for you to choose a doctor still, but they will likely involve litigation in front of you the Administrative Law Judge assigned to your case. This is why you should call the experienced workers compensation lawyers of Chhabra & Gibbs P.A. at 601-948-8005 to discuss your case.
Our personal injury attorneys and staff are standing by 24/7 and offer a FREE consultation, and there is no fee unless we win. Contact us today to ensure your rights are protected. We also assist with car accidents, 18-wheeler wrecks, premises liability cases and more.