When Your Employer Delays Medical Treatment for a Work-Related Injury
If you have been hurt on the job, one of the first things you want to do is get the medical treatment you need. You may need an expensive or specialized form of medical care, but can’t get approval until your workers’ compensation claim is approved. What are your options?
First, you need to understand that the adjuster has 30 days to accept or reject your workers’ compensation claim. Until your claim is approved, you may be limited to emergency medical care and visits to your primary care physician. If your treating physician does not believe that you need further diagnostic testing, but you believe your condition is not fully diagnosed, you can ask for a list of other approved doctors. Prior authorization will likely be required for certain procedures, such as MRIs, surgical procedures, and neurological testing.
It’s important to determine the cause of the delay. It may be that the doctor has not faxed an authorization form to the adjuster. It may be that the adjuster needs the doctor’s dictated report. It could be that your doctor had the wrong fax number or faxed your authorization form to the wrong place. Your best option is to contact the adjuster and ask if the authorization form has been received.
If the adjuster has received the form, but has ordered a second opinion, don’t fight it. You will likely experience more delays or even the suspension of benefits. If an adjuster seeks a third opinion, you should contact an attorney, as you claim is likely to be denied.
Contact Attorney Howard D. Popper
To learn your options when you have suffered a personal injury, contact our office online or call attorney Popper at 973-993-8787. We have offices in Morristown and Newton, but will come to your home or the hospital, if necessary. There is no charge for your first consultation.
We handle all personal injury claims on a contingency basis. You won’t be charged any legal fees unless attorney Popper recovers compensation for your losses.