Would you take WC advice from the company doctor?

I got a call from a prospective client the other day. He recounts how he was injured at work over a year ago. He explains that he treated for a while with “the company’s doctor” and for a period of time the injured worker was missing work, treating for his injury, and being paid wage loss benefits. He then tells me that at a certain point, the company doctor told the injured worker that he should just go back to work, even if he hasn’t healed, because “workers’ compensation isn’t worth it”. The prospective client had not yet consulted an attorney at that point, so, thinking the doctor knew best, he followed this advice and returned to work, probably before he should have. There’s no telling what type of damage the client may have done to his body or his case by rushing back when he did.

I guess I wasn’t surprised to hear such a story; I’m sure it happens everyday. It did make me wonder though, how often do injured workers listen to the company doctor and rush back to work before they get another medical opinion or reach out to discuss their legal rights with a workers’ compensation attorney? And how often are these doctors giving what amounts to legal advice?

If you or someone you know have been injured in a work accident, reach out immediately to discuss your case with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. Just a brief conversation will give you insight into the timelines that play a large role in how a workers’ compensation case progresses, the types of benefits you may be entitled to, and when you should report back to work and when you might be better served to take your time and heal up. Your health, your job, and your benefits are too important to put at risk. If you would like a free consultation with one of our workers’ compensation attorneys, please call our office at (717) 888-8888 or complete an online contact form.

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Should you be taking WC legal advice from the company’s doctor?