A lot of employees who sustained injuries on the job fail to realize the importance of their first doctor’s appointments both to their health and their workers’ compensation case. What they say to their doctor and what the doctor puts in the medical records can affect the workers’ compensation benefits that can be obtained. If you are injured due to a work-related accident, make sure you don’t make a statement or forget to say something that a workers’ comp insurance provider can use to reduce or deny your claim. To avoid making costly mistakes, it is in your best interest to work with a work injury lawyer in Virginia.
Why Seek Immediate Medical Care after a Workplace Injury?
After sustaining a job-related injury, you must be examined by a physician as soon as possible, no matter how you may be feeling. Some injuries such as neck injuries, spinal injuries, and back injuries may not present symptoms immediately. In fact, the symptoms can take days or even longer to show up. To avoid jeopardizing your health and giving the insurer a reason to dispute your claim, get a prompt medical examination from a qualified doctor.
How to Handle Your First Doctor’s Appointment
When you file a workers’ compensation claim, you might need to use a physician that your employer recommends for the program to pay for your medical expenses. Keep in mind that this doctor has a working relationship with the insurer. To handle your first appointment with them, here are things you must keep in mind:
- Be honest. When you describe your symptoms and injuries and the way they limit your ability to carry out daily activities, you must be honest. Never exaggerate or misrepresent your injuries because this can decrease your credibility and hurt your claim.
- Describe your condition as thoroughly as possible. As you speak with the doctor, tell them about all the symptoms you are experiencing including the minor ones. Sometimes, a new injury may worse later after you sustained an initial injury. This is true with back and neck injuries. When this happens and you only discuss the condition you are worried about with the doctor, you might not be able to seek benefits for the new injury.
- Fill Out forms accurately. The doctor may also ask you to complete a medical history form before your appointment with them. Ensure you complete the form accurately and review it carefully before signing it. Whatever information you provide in the form will be a part of your medical records that the insurance company will consider to evaluate your claim.
