If you have been injured at work and need surgery to treat the issue, you (or your lawyer) are probably focused on ensuring that your operation is covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation provider. It can be a major relief to know that you won’t have to pay out of pocket for your surgery because you have an approved injury claim, but the cost of surgery isn’t the only expense you’ll want to be covered. You will have additional expenses after your surgical procedure, and you’ll want to make sure that you don’t give the insurance company any reason to cease payment on your benefits. In today’s blog, we explain what you should be doing after surgery to ensure you stay eligible for additional workers’ compensation payments.
Steps To Take After Your Work Comp Surgery
Surgery may be in the rearview mirror, but you are still a long way from a full recovery. You’ll want to ensure you follow some basic steps so as to not jeopardize your injury claim eligibility. Here’s what you’ll want to do:
1. Thorough Documentation – It never hurts to keep diligent records about the care you’ve received related to your work injury even after surgery is complete. You’ll likely have follow-up sessions or appointments with a physical therapist, and these will all incur additional medical expenses. If you want to make it easy to receive compensation for these appointments, keep thorough records of all your visits and any expenses related to your post-op care.
2. Keep All Appointments – We understand that life sometimes throws you a curveball, but make it a point to keep all your appointments related to your post-op care. If you no-show for appointments or physical therapy sessions, it suggests to the insurance company that you no longer believe you need additional care for your work-related injury, and they may be within their rights to stop making workers’ compensation payments. Don’t give the insurance company a reason to stop making payments on your claim.
3. Follow Your Doctor’s Advice – This point goes hand in hand with the above point. Be sure to follow all medical advice given to you by a member of your healthcare team. If you are told not to drive, return to work or perform certain physical activities, but you disregard this advice, the insurance company may argue that you are not operating in good faith and in turn provide you with a notice of intent to discontinue your benefits. If you have questions or concerns about your doctor’s care recommendations, be sure to ask for clarification or clearance instead of going against their guidelines.
4. Keep In Touch With Your Lawyer – Finally, make it a point to keep in touch with your lawyer even after your surgery is complete. They know that your claim isn’t done, and they’ll need to know about any changes to your health so that they can ensure you get the compensation you deserve. If there is a major change in your care, or if you have questions about new injury-related expenses you’ve incurred, reach out to your injury lawyer.
All aspects of your injury case will run smoother if you have a lawyer by your side, so let us make sure that you get the compensation you deserve before and after your surgery. For more information about any aspect of your claim, or to see if you have a valid workers’ compensation claim, connect with the team at Hey Workers today at (844) 439-9675.
