Why Must I Be Honest With My Doctor After a Work Injury?

In many workplaces and industries in the United States, injuries occur on a daily basis. Unfortunately, many people are unfamiliar with their rights under workers’ compensation law, which leads to unclaimed benefits. As such, if you sustain an on-the-job injury, ensuring you take the necessary steps to seek medical treatment is critical. However, before meeting with a doctor, it is vital to understand the importance of being honest with your provider. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters, including why it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced Florida workers’ compensation lawyer to guide you through these difficult times.

Why Do I Need to Be Completely Honest With My Workers’ Comp Doctor?

When you are injured at work, it is imperative to seek medical treatment. In Florida, you are required to see a provider approved by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurer. However, if you sustain a serious injury that requires immediate medical attention, you should go to the nearest hospital for immediate medical care.

When meeting with a doctor, many people worry about seeming dramatic in regard to their injuries. However, downplaying or minimizing the severity of the injuries you have suffered can have a significant impact on the outcome of your workers’ compensation claim and the treatment you receive. For example, understanding how bad an injury or your pain is can result in the reduction of your benefits, a delayed diagnosis, or the worsening of your injuries.

As such, you should be honest with your doctor and provide them as much information as possible regarding your pain, discomfort, and symptoms. When discussing how the injury occurred at work, you should avoid guessing or speculation. Instead, you should be honest and clear about how the injury happened, while describing the type of pain you feel and any actions that worsen the pain.

What Happens if I Lie or Overstate My Injuries?

While you should refrain from minimizing or downplaying the severity of your injuries, it’s imperative to understand that if you exaggerate your injuries, it can actually negatively impact the outcome of your case. If your claims are not consistent with the nature of the injury you suffered, you’ll find that it can lead to more scrutiny surrounding your case, including the denial of benefits.

Generally, if you exaggerate your pain, the insurance may take steps to compare your doctor’s notes with the accident report or even surveil you to determine if your injuries are as bad as you claim. In some instances, you may even find that this can constitute fraud, leading to criminal charges.

When you sustain an injury at work, it can be incredibly overwhelming to fight for the workers’ compensation you deserve while managing your pain and navigating treatment. As such, it is in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney with the Law Office of Kevin A. Moore to explore your legal options. Our firm understands how difficult these matters can be, which is why we will do everything in our power to help you recover the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today to learn more about your legal options.