Workers Compensation Doctors: Their Responsibility

by Robert F. Read My Articles, Learn More... When an employee is injured in the workplace, one of the main issues that arise is that of the worker’s compensation. The evaluation carried out by workers compensation doctors in these cases is very important as it will determine how much compensation the employee is entitled to. At the end of the day, compensation is necessary if the employee is to return to productive employment.

Basically, it is the doctor who determines whether or not the employee is fit enough to go to work. After a thorough evaluation, the doctor will specify the worker’s abilities and capabilities. If the physician is of the view that there should be a limit on the amount of work the employee should do for the first couple of weeks or months as he or she will still require medical attention as well as time to fully recover, then the doctor should inform the employer through a medical report.

All the parties involved; the employee, employer and insurer will benefit when a physician is clear regarding what the worker can and cannot do and whether the injuries are temporary or permanent. What the doctor will do is that he will define the restrictions and capacities in the form of time periods. For instance, the doctor might specify that for the next 6 weeks, the employee must only work for an average of 4 hours a day, especially if the he has to do some heavy lifting. The time period will be adjusted after future evaluations.

Sometimes employees are injured to the extent that they are unable to work on a permanent basis anymore. If that is the case, the doctor must explain and report this to the employer. After this, vocational rehabilitation can begin. In as far as choosing your own doctor as the injured person is concerned, it normally depends on the State in which you reside in.

You will find that there are States which have a requirement that the injured worker must be attended to by a physician chosen by either the employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company of the employer. In other States, you are allowed to pick your own doctor. So, if you get a work injury, find out what the regulations are in your particular State and go on from there.

Work related injuries occur more often than people think; especially in those workplaces where safety regulations are not adhered to. Those injuries do not only have a negative impact on the people injured, they can also negatively affect family members; especially if the injured individual was the breadwinner of the family. In some cases, the workers sustain injuries or a disability that is permanent. In such instances, worker’s compensation is absolutely necessary. It allows the injured employee to not only receive medical treatment, but to also be compensated for financial loss.

Therefore, workers compensation doctors play a very significant role in the worker’s compensation system. They assist with determining how much compensation an injured employee is entitled to.

Sponsor Ads

• Ad Space Available - Rent it Now!

Created on Dec 31st 1969 18:00. Viewed 0 times.

Comments