How do I change doctors in an Oklahoma workers’ compensation case?
If you live and work in Oklahoma and you have been injured on your job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation is provided by an employer after a work injury and can include income compensation, rehabilitation, medical coverage for the injured employee and death benefits to the survivors of a deceased employee.
Workers do not have to prove that their employer was negligent only that their injury occurred while they were engaged in normal work activities. In return for automatic insurance coverage you and/or your survivors surrender your right to sue your employer for additional compensation through an injury lawsuit.
Oklahoma medical coverage options
Doses Oklahoma workers’ compensation law allow me to change doctors? If I do, is my employer responsible for paying that doctor, or do I have to pay that doctor? In Oklahoma, you are allowed by workers’ compensation law to have a one-time privilege of changing doctors. Your employer is responsible for paying this doctor. In addition, if you do not agree with the opinions of the doctor that is selected by your employer, in certain circumstances, you have a right to ask for a second opinion or have an independent medical evaluation (IME). You do not have to accept a second opinion from an insurance adjusters “handpicked” doctors. It is the Workers’ Compensation Court that selects the doctor who will give an IME or a true second opinion, not the insurance adjuster from your employer’s insurance company. If you have recently been injured on the job in Oklahoma, you may be in the process of trying to decide what to do. It is important for you to know that your employer’s insurance company will not openly tell you about your right to change doctors or seek a second opinion.
If you have questions or if you need additional help getting your workers’ compensation benefits, we can help. The employment attorneys at www.usworkerscomp.com will make sure that your rights are protected. Fill out the FREE evaluation form at the bottom of this page and a work comp lawyer will contact you to evaluate your Oklahoma workers’ compensation case.Hiring a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
