Minnesota Workers Compensation Medical Entitlements
What exactly are you entitled to when it comes to workers compensation? Under the state of Minnesota workers compensation laws, any injured worker is entitled to the following medical benefits:
- Reasonable medical care
- Hospital services
- Your choice of doctor in most instances
- Physical therapy
- Chiropractic
- Medication and pain relief
- Crutches
- Eye glasses
- Artificial limbs
- Wheelchairs
- Other appliance that can help relieve the effects of a work injury
The problem with Minnesota workers compensation laws is that often workers are not given the proper compensation for all of these medical needs. In fact, workers are often forced to foot the bill to pay for their expenses prescriptions and other medical needs that should be covered under their workers compensation claim. The reason is because workers compensation laws come with a lot of fine print and regulations that most of us do not understand. This is why you need to speak to a Minnesota workers compensation attorney about what medical benefits should be included in your workers compensation.
How Medical Compensation Works
With Minnesota workers compensation, you have the right to see any doctor you choose. However, in many instances, employers will participate in the Workers Compensation Certified Managed Care Plan which means you will need to see a doctor that is part of this plan’s network in order to receive the benefits. It is important to look into this when looking into medical help.
When on workers compensation, it is often up to you to keep track of all medical expenses incurred. Start a file and keep all your receipts together. Keep track of the mileage spent going to appointments and keep all contact information for your employer’s workers compensation insurance company, the doctors, etc. in this file. It will be easier to file a claim and ensure you are getting the right medical entitlements if you remain organized with your workers compensation needs. Furthermore, if you need to fight for your rights to benefits, all the paperwork is in one spot, ready to go.
The Independent Medical Examination
It is also important to understand the implications of an Independent Medical Examination (IME). Your workers compensation insurance company will most likely schedule you to see a doctor of their choice. If the doctor decides that you do not need any more treatment, then you may lose your benefits. However, in many instances, employees will still need treatment and thus, if this has happened to you, you need to speak to a MN workers comp lawyer right away. Complications surrounding the IME are the most common ways in which insurance companies will take advantage of employees and rob you of the compensation you deserve. Do not let this happen to you.
Minnesota Workers Compensation Lawyers
To learn more about your medical rights when it comes to Minnesota worker’s comp laws, contact the Law Firm of Heimerl & Lammers. We can assist you in all your legal filings and help you determine if you are getting adequate medical treatment from your workers’ compensation benefits.