Medical Treatment After a Workplace Injury in Los Angeles

Workplace injuries can be stressful, creating significant uncertainty for those who are trying to deal with the aftermath of a painful accident. Understanding your medical treatment rights under the California workers’ compensation law is a critical component to recovering damages in these situations. Our workers’ compensation attorneys could help ensure timely and appropriate care.

Here are a few things injured professionals should know about medical treatment after a workplace injury in Los Angeles.

Immediate Medical Care After a Workplace Injury

The most important thing to do after a Los Angeles workplace injury is to seek emergency treatment first. According to California Labor Code § 4600(d), injured workers have the right to seek care without prior employer authorization. If somebody is injured on the job, they should go straight to the emergency room.

Injured workers should then report the injury within 30 days. Otherwise, it can affect eligibility for treatment coverage.

Medical treatments must be considered reasonably required to cure or relieve the effects of the injury in order to be covered by workers’ compensation. Treatments must also comply with the Medical Treatment Utilization Schedule (MTUS). This applies to all treatments, including physical therapy, surgery, pain management, prescription medications, and the use of medical equipment.

Authorized Medical Providers and the Role of the Medical Provider Network (MPN)

A Medical Provider Network (MPN) is a list of approved physicians for work-related injuries. Many employers in California have an MPN. Injured Los Angeles workers must typically choose a doctor within the MPN provided by the employer for medical treatment after a workplace accident.

If the employer fails to provide MPN information, the injured party may choose their own doctor. If the injured party wishes to change treating physicians, they may do so one time within the MPN. Those who would like a second opinion may seek another physician.

In some cases, employees are eligible to see a predesignated personal physician per California’s predesignation option. This may apply if the physician treated the individual before they were injured. The workers should also provide written notice before the injury, claiming they have a trusted predesignated physician.

Not All Workplace Injury Costs Are Obvious

One more thing every injured employee should keep in mind is that not all workplace injury costs are related to the medical care itself. For instance, workers’ compensation may cover transportation costs to and from medical appointments. It can also cover accessibility equipment necessary for improving quality of life.

Call for Legal Guidance When Seeking Medical Treatment After a Workplace Injury in Los Angeles

Workers’ compensation medical treatment issues are often complex, which is why hiring a lawyer is often the best way to move forward. These issues are often so complex because insurance companies often dispute the necessity of some of the medical treatments. They also delay the authorization of treatment and try to limit medical provider options.

A Los Angeles workers’ compensation attorney can help navigate disputes over denied or delayed care and advocate for proper healthcare treatment.

Medical treatment after a workplace injury is a necessity. Those facing delays or restrictions in care should not hesitate to reach out to our experienced attorneys for guidance to learn more about receiving medical treatment after a workplace injury in Los Angeles. Most importantly, ensure that you receive timely medical care after an injury, ensuring you are eligible to receive compensation.