Why Do I Need to Adhere to Medical Advice After a Work Injury?

When you are injured at work, it can be an overwhelming and confusing process. Not only do you have to ensure you adhere to the workers’ compensation rules in Florida, such as reporting the injury within 30 days and seeing a medical provider approved by your company, but you must also navigate the aftermath of filing a claim. One of the biggest mistakes that people make when they sustain an injury at work is failing to adhere to the medical advice of their doctor. If you’re unsure why adhering to the doctor’s orders is critical for the outcome of your claim, you’ll want to keep reading. The following blog explores what you should know about these difficult matters, including the importance of working with a Florida workers’ compensation attorney to assist you with this process.

What Should I Do After a Workplace Injury?

If you are injured at work, taking the necessary steps to protect yourself is vital for the outcome of your claim. In general, the most important thing to do is report the injury to your employer. In Florida, there is a thirty-day period in which the injury must be reported, but the sooner you inform your employer, the better.

You should also obtain medical care as soon as possible. In Florida, you are required to go to a doctor approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. However, if your injuries are life-threatening, you should seek immediate medical attention at your nearest emergency room. You do not need to wait for approval or an appointment with a primary care phsycian for critical and urgent injuries.

Why Must I Follow All Medical Advice?

When you are hurt at work, it’s critical to ensure that you carefully adhere to the medical advice provided to you by your doctor. Unfortunately, if you ignore your doctor’s orders, it can negatively impact your ability to recover the compensation you deserve. This is because your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer may argue that your injuries are not as severe as you claim them to be.

For example, if you are unable to work because your doctor has ordered that you cannot lift more than ten pounds, but you are seen by your manager at a local grocery store picking up a fifty-pound bag of dog food, it can hurt your chances of recovering the compensation you deserve. This is because your employer can then, with the help of the insurance company, dispute your claim.

Though it can be a hindrance to your life, ensuring you carefully listen to the orders of your medical provider is crucial to recover the compensation you deserve for the injuries you have sustained at work. Whether you are ordered to remain in bed rest or attend physical therapy, ensuring you follow all advice is crucial.

As you can see, the workers’ compensation process can be incredibly difficult to navigate. That is why it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Firm of Kevin A. Moore to explore your legal options. Our team understands how difficult it can be to navigate the workers’ compensation process while healing from a serious injury, which is why we will do everything in our power to assist you. Contact us today to learn more.