Illinois Worker’s Comp “Ask the Attorney” Feature
In Illinois, personal injury lawyers who specialize in Workers Compensation claims can help you understand your rights according to Illinois law. In this week’s special feature, our Chicago personal injury attorney answers your questions about Workers’ Comp.
Question: “My employer wants me to seek workers’ comp treatment through the company doctor. I’d prefer to see my own doctor. What are my legal rights?”
Chicago Worker’s Comp Attorney: “In Illinois, you have the absolute right to choose your own doctor for treatment. There are limits to the number of doctors you can choose. We call this the “two doctor rule.” But, it really means more than two doctors. It really means two referral chains; in other words, you have a right to choose any doctor of your own choice, plus any number of doctors that your physician refers you to. In addition, you have the right to choose an entirely separate doctor, plus any number of physicians this second doctor refers you to.
“Beyond that, if you wish to choose a third doctor, your employer is not responsible for payment to that third doctor unless the employer agrees to do so.
“The employer does have the right to have you examined by its doctor. That has to be at a reasonable time and place, and they do have to pay you the cost of travel to attend the examination. There is a difference between examination and treatment. They cannot force you to receive treatment from the examining doctor that they’ve hired.
“Sometimes injured workers in Illinois choose to treat with the company doctor, and you are certainly within your rights if you choose to do so. But an employer certainly cannot compel you to treat with the doctor that they’ve chosen.”
For more information, contact a Chicago personal injury attorney if you live in Illinois. Personal injury lawyers can help you understand the complicated guidelines of Illinois Workers Compensation.
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