Where should you seek medical treatment after a workplace injury?

An injury that happens at work may leave you feeling panicked and unsure of how to respond. Even though you need medical treatment, you may lack the mobility or coherence to make critical decisions.

Responding appropriately despite the stress can help you avoid costly consequences. Communicating with your employer from the beginning can also give insight into the best way to handle your situation.

Emergency care

Some incidents at work can have serious consequences that require immediate medical attention. This is not an appropriate time for your employer to withhold treatment and make arrangements with providers in their insurance network. According to The United States Department of Justice, after you get help for your injury your employer can phone the hospital where you receive care and authorize your treatment. Your employer's top priority should be your well-being and comfort.

One way to guarantee that your employer arranges your medical care is to ask your supervisor for help when you get injured. For example, you may ask for assistance calling 911 or arranging a ride to the hospital.

Follow-up care

Depending on your injury, you may require follow-up care. Your medical team may also recommend rehabilitative therapy. This could include physical therapy and vocational rehabilitation. Given the non-emergency status of follow-up visits, you should work closely with your employer to coordinate medical care. Using your preferred provider and disregarding your workers' compensation insurance requirements may jeopardize your benefits.

Where you receive medical treatment may influence the outcome of your benefits. An attorney can help you identify which steps you need to follow to maximize your benefits and prevent mistakes.