Do I need a doctor’s note to pursue a workers’ comp claim?
Workplace accidents that result in an injury can happen when least expected. One careless mistake could lead to several months out of work and costly medical bills. If you were hurt on the job, it’s critical that you take your workers’ compensation claim seriously from the start and take the right course of action.
It could take several months to recover from workplace injuries, such as:
- Broken bones
- Traumatic brain injury
- Severe soft tissue injuries
- Repetitive stress injuries
- Neck, back and spine injuries
- Crushed limbs
Filing a successful workers’ compensation claim requires the right documents. Among those is a doctor’s note, which you must have in order to pursue compensation for medical expenses and lost wages.
Why is a doctor’s note so important when pursuing a claim?
The purpose of a doctor’s note is to state whether you can return to work or return with restrictions. The note should only be provided by your primary care physician or another doctor who diagnosed and treated your injuries. Notes from physical therapists, occupational therapists or professionals from other medical practices don’t qualify.
It’s also important to keep your doctor’s note and other medical records on file. Doing so can eliminate questions regarding referrals to specialists, as well as authorizations for treatment.
Ensure that all information in your note is accurate
During your medical evaluation, don’t hesitate to ask questions. It’s important that the instructions given to you by your doctor are clear. There should be no confusion regarding your treatment and length of recovery. If any other issues come up and you can’t return to work, it’s important that you discuss that with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
When obtaining a doctor’s note and medical records, always double-check to ensure that the information is accurate. Also ensure that the instructions given by your doctor are included and match what your doctor told you.
Let an experienced workers’ compensation attorney handle the rest
If you were injured on the job, you may not be fully aware of the rights and legal options available to you. On top of that, the paperwork involved in filing a workers’ compensation claim can be complex and confusing. Any mistakes in the filing process could lead to your financial benefits being delayed or denied.
That’s why it’s critical that you speak to an experienced attorney who knows how the workers’ compensation system in Massachusetts and Rhode Island works.
Contact the Law Offices of Deborah G. Kohl to schedule your free and confidential case evaluation.