Whether you slipped and fell at your retail job or developed carpal tunnel in your office position, injuries that result from or at your work may be eligible for workers' compensation. However, you’ll need to have your injury verified and treated by a doctor to prove the validity of your claim. Many plaintiffs ask their lawyers if they can choose their own health care provider to guide their recovery in this scenario. Here's a closer look at this aspect of workers' compensation.

How Does Doctor Selection Vary by State?

In some states, such as Virginia, Texas, and Tennessee, claimants are not allowed to see a doctor of their choosing for a workers' compensation injury. Instead, their employers must provide them with a panel or group of physicians, and the claimant can then choose a medical professional from this lineup to offer treatment throughout the case. 

Fortunately in Ohio, claimants have the right to decide who will be their authorized treating physician. More specficially, the Ohio Bureau of Workers Compensation (BWC) allows injured parties to see whatever doctor they’d like for their initial visit. After the first appointment, they must choose a BWC-certified health care provider. Many doctors already have BWC certifications, so you might not need to switch at all. You can find out if your doctor is certified by checking the BWC Provider Look-up directory.

What Are the Exceptions?

In the states where claimants aren’t allowed to choose their own doctor, there are some ways around this hurdle. For example, if you're experiencing a medical emergency—such as a fall from a ladder that resulted in a broken bone—you can head straight to the ER and see whatever doctor is assigned to you without penalty. Also, if your employer fails to provide a group of approved physicians within a reasonable amount of time, you may be excused from this requirement.

If you’d like to consult with a workers' compensation lawyer before moving forward, reach out to Ibold & O'Brien of Chardon, OH. They'll teach you about state-specific guidelines and help you configure the best possible case. They have over 40 years of experience helping injured clients in Geauga, Lake, Ashtabula, and Cuyahoga counties get the compensation they deserve. To learn more about their practice areas, including personal injury and employment law, visit the website. Call them at (440) 437-5295 to arrange for an initial consultation with a lawyer.