If you have never been involved in the Georgia workers’ compensation system before, you may be shocked and disappointed to learn that some of the physicians you meet seem to have an agenda other than your health and best interest. The Georgia workers’ compensation statute has created an environment where insurance companies have a financial interest to find and use doctors who downplay the seriousness of your injuries and who intentionally avoid referring you for necessary, but expensive care. The net result of this system can mean delay and unnecessary suffering for you.
I sometimes receive calls from injured workers who are receiving weekly wage benefits as well as medical care, who wonder why they should hire counsel if everything “seems to be working out okay.” Sometimes they sense that something is not quite right but are wary of rocking the boat.
Know Your Doctor’s Reputation
I respond that one of the most valuable services I offer my clients has to do with my knowledge of and opinions about the medical providers that accept workers’ compensation referrals in Georgia. After 20+ years of practice in this area of law, I have seen or know about the biases and quality of work offered by most of these doctors. [Read more…] about What to do About Substandard Medical Care in Your Workers’ Compensation Case