Medical Benefits Under Illinois Workers Compensation Law
Illinois personal injury lawyers who specialize in Workers Comp cases say there is a lot to know regarding medical benefits for each case. Quite often, injured persons worry about their medical bills and whether or not their employer will pay. Unnecessary worry and angst can add yet another stressful factor the the already difficult task of recovery. Here are some more typical questions you may have about your medical benefits, answered by our experienced Chicago personal injury attorney.
What medical expenses must my employer pay?
Your employer is required to pay for all necessary first aid, medical, surgical and hospital services reasonably required to cure or relieve the effects of your injury or disease.
Can I choose my own doctor or hospital for treatment?
Yes. You have the right to choose any doctor or hospital at your employer’s expense.
Is there a limit to the number of doctors I can see at my employer’s expense?
Yes. Your employer must pay for the following treatment, if it is reasonable, necessary and causally related to your injury or disease: (a) All first aid and emergency services; (b) the services of the first treating doctor you select, along with the services of any doctors (specialists) or hospitals you’re referred to by the first treating doctor; (c) the services of a second treating doctor (should you decide to change treating physicians), along with any services provided by doctors or hospitals referred to by the second treating doctor. Always notify your employer if you change physicians to avoid delays in payment of compensation and medical bills.Note: If you wish to select a third treating doctor - someone you were not referred to by a previous treating doctor or hospital within your first two chosen referral chains - you must pay for that doctor’s services yourself, unless your employer agrees in advance to pay for that doctor’s services.
What if my employer refuses to pay my medical bill?
You have the right to a hearing at the Workers’ Compensation Commission to compel your employer to pay or reimburse your medical bills. Under new laws, your employer may be forced to pay penalties for unreasonable delay in payment of medical expenses, if the Commission finds that the employer acted in bad faith.
Does my treating doctor or hospital have any obligations?
Yes. Upon written request, your treating doctor or hospital must provide enough information so that your employer may decide whether to pay your bills and other benefits. If your treating doctor or hospital does not furnish the information required by law, the employer may delay or refuse payment of your benefits. However, your treating physician should not meet or speak with your employer or the representatives of its workers’ compensation insurance carrier without you present. Always consult your attorney before authorizing such contacts.
Can my employer send me to a company doctor for evaluation?
Yes. Your employer has a right to have you examined at a reasonable time and place. FAILURE TO ATTEND AN EXAMINATION BY A COMPANY DOCTOR MAY RESULT IN DENIAL, SUSPENSION OR LOSS OF YOUR WEEKLY WORKERS’ COMPENSATION BENEFITS.If your employer schedules an exam by a company doctor, the employer must pay for the exam. Your employer must also reimburse you for the cost of travel to and from the examination by the most convenient means; for the cost of necessary meals if it is a long trip, and for your lost wages, if any, due to your attendance at the examination.
If you live in or around Chicago, personal injury attorneys can answer your questions on Illinois Workers Compensation. Don’t let your employer or its insurance company take advantage of the situation. You need a qualified Illinois Workers Comp Attorney who will fight diligently on your behalf.
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