Can I choose my own doctor under Missouri workers compensation law?
Under Missouri workers compensation law, the right to direct and control the treatment is with the employer, or in most cases, with their insurance company. Practically, this means that they get to tell you, if you are the injured worker, where you have to treat. Now, to be clear, this does not mean that they have the absolute right to do this. If they refuse to treat or the treatment is not doing what is reasonably required of them, then the injured worker may seek to get treatment elsewhere and hold the employer liable for all of the medical bills.
The injured worker in Missouri is also eligible to seek a second opinion from a doctor of their own choosing. This means that if the injured worker believes that he or she needs more treatment or different treatment, he or she can seek out their own opinion. If that opinion is different than what is being recommended by the insurance company’s doctor, the injured worker can then request a mediation with a judge. At the mediation, the judge will give an opinion as to who would win at a hearing. Most of the time, this is enough to get the company to do what is reasonable needed for the injured worker.
If you have found yourself in a position whereby you feel as though you are not getting proper treatment, please call us today for help. We can set you up to see one of our doctors quickly in an effort to get you better as soon as possible.
Contact an Experienced Workers Compensation Lawyer
The St. Louis Workers Compensation Lawyers at Roskin & Hoffmann, LLC have nearly 50 years of combined Work Comp experience and we have handled some of the most complex Workers Comp cases throughout Missouri. If you have been injured at work and you have questions about choosing your own doctor, call our knowledgeable attorneys at (314) 821-9013 or send us a Workers Compensation question. We look forward to helping you. All communications are returned promptly.
Workers Compensation Lawyers at Roskin & Hoffmann, LLC based in St. Louis, Missouri have nearly 50 combined years of work comp experience. Call our attorneys today.
