Worker's Compensation Laws

An injured worker is entitled to all reasonable and necessary medical care resulting from his or her work-related injury. Although workers compensation laws vary state to state, covered medical care generally includes: medical, surgical and hospital services, dental services, crutches, hearing aids, chiropractic treatment, physical therapy, nursing care, and prescribed medications. The right to receive medical treatment at the employers expense typically continues as long as treatment is reasonable and necessary to treat the injury. State laws differ as to if and when the employee may choose his or her own medical provider. It is important to understand your rights as an injured worker under the workers compensation law of the state where you are employed.

Federal laws prohibit your employer from discharging or discriminating against you because of your workers compensation injury. If an employer fires or forces the resignation of an injured employee in retaliation for filing a workers compensation claim, the employee can file a civil lawsuit against the employer seeking damages in court, provided the employee has evidence of such an allegation. Also, if an employer denies permission for immediate medical attention following a work-related injury, or does not permit an employee to seek out the services of other medical professionals in conjunction with assigned company doctors, the employee can seek legal retribution under workers compensation laws. Many unions have workers compensation representatives who file claims and help injured employees seek justice from employers. If legal council is needed, however, look for an attorney who specializes in workers compensation rights, and is experienced with workers compensation claims in a court of law.