[{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BlogPosting","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/can-i-see-my-own-doctor-for-workplace-injuries\/#BlogPosting","mainEntityOfPage":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/can-i-see-my-own-doctor-for-workplace-injuries\/","headline":"Can I See My Own Doctor for Workplace Injuries in Georgia?","name":"Can I See My Own Doctor for Workplace Injuries in Georgia?","description":"If you were injured in a workplace accident, you are likely worried about your physical and financial recovery.\u00a0Almost all employers in Georgia are required to carry workers\u2019 compensation, which provides employees injured on the job with healthcare coverage needed to treat their injuries and offsets a portion of...","datePublished":"2023-06-08","dateModified":"2024-12-30","author":{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/johnsherrod\/#Person","name":"John Sherrod","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/author\/johnsherrod\/","identifier":8,"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63ed235ae61137a2e8dec557ea4cd48dee882e0dc0bbcf9da6642f47d925925d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/63ed235ae61137a2e8dec557ea4cd48dee882e0dc0bbcf9da6642f47d925925d?s=96&d=mm&r=g","height":96,"width":96}},"publisher":{"@type":"Organization","name":"Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/SB-Logo-1.png","width":300,"height":109}},"image":{"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/see-doctor.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/06\/see-doctor.jpg","height":663,"width":1000},"url":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/can-i-see-my-own-doctor-for-workplace-injuries\/","video":[{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NlG0l17f7Es#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NlG0l17f7Es","name":"Can I See My Own Doctor for Workplace Injuries in Georgia? -  Sherrod & Bernard, P.C.","description":"For more about Workers\u2019 Compensation, please visit: https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/can-i-see-my-own-doctor-for-workplace-injuries\/\n__________________________________\nSherrod & Bernard, P.C. - Personal Injury Lawyers in Douglasville\n8470 Price Ave \nDouglasville, GA 30134\nPhone: (770) 920 - 8350\nwww.sherrodandbernard.com","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/NlG0l17f7Es\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/NlG0l17f7Es\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/NlG0l17f7Es\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/NlG0l17f7Es\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/NlG0l17f7Es\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2023-06-08T21:05:28+00:00","duration":"PT3M1S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/NlG0l17f7Es","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NlG0l17f7Es#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NlG0l17f7Es#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NlG0l17f7Es&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=NlG0l17f7Es#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":19}]]},{"@context":"http:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"VideoObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U","name":"What are workers' compensation benefits if I am hurt at work?","description":"The general rule is that you cannot sue your employer or a co-employee for personal injury. An injured worker is limited to collecting only workers' compensation benefits. What happens if a worker is hurt on the job by someone other than a co-employee or the employer? For example, what if an employee is required to drive as a part of this job? While on a work mission, the employee is hurt by random motorist running a red light. In that situation, the client would have two cases. \n\nFirst, there would be a personal injury case against the at fault driver for running a red light, but the worker would also have a workers compensation case since he was hurt while working for his employer. At Sherrod & Bernard, we handle workers' compensation and personal injury cases. Every injured worker who comes in our door, we look to see if they also have a personal injury case.","thumbnailUrl":["https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/default.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/mqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/hqdefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/sddefault.jpg","https:\/\/i.ytimg.com\/vi\/X23toflfd6U\/maxresdefault.jpg"],"uploadDate":"2019-04-05T23:35:20+00:00","duration":"PT1M18S","embedUrl":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/X23toflfd6U","publisher":{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w#Organization","url":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/channel\/UCNK4EK-AuNLyADEP1Gsgx7w","name":"Sherrod and Bernard","description":"When you are in a legal bind, you need an experienced attorney you can count on to provide you with skilled representation and sound legal counsel. Every lawyer under the sun will tell you that he or she is the right person for the job, but you need a firm backed with a successful track record. You need the firm of Sherrod & Bernard, serving the Douglasville area.\n\nAfter attending the University of Georgia together, attorneys John Sherrod and Ken Bernard founded the law firm of Sherrod & Bernard, P.C. in 1992. From the very beginning, the goal of our firm has been to provide each and every client with the quality personal service and skilled representation they deserve. You can count on our work ethic and our commitment to our clients.\n\nYou need a highly skilled attorney to successfully resolve your legal issues. One of our lawyers can help. Schedule a free consultation by calling our Douglasville office at 770-920-8350.","logo":{"url":"https:\/\/yt3.ggpht.com\/uK-5K9pyHHwlk4D1Wclej9JOOudzsipnxVRsoc1u0fyFTl1Ykw0P1mMXhCw6PbtfZAwzpbuF_A=s800-c-k-c0x00ffffff-no-rj","width":800,"height":800,"@type":"ImageObject","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject_publisher_logo_ImageObject"}},"potentialAction":{"@type":"SeekToAction","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject_potentialAction","target":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U&t={seek_to_second_number}","startOffset-input":"required name=seek_to_second_number"},"interactionStatistic":[[{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_WatchAction","interactionType":{"@type":"WatchAction"},"userInteractionCount":465617}],{"@type":"InteractionCounter","@id":"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/watch?v=X23toflfd6U#VideoObject_interactionStatistic_LikeAction","interactionType":{"@type":"LikeAction"},"userInteractionCount":23}]}],"about":["Work Injury"],"wordCount":1016,"articleBody":"If you were injured in a workplace accident, you are likely worried about your physical and financial recovery.\u00a0Almost all employers in Georgia are required to carry workers\u2019 compensation, which provides employees injured on the job with healthcare coverage needed to treat their injuries and offsets a portion of their lost income.One of the questions we receive most frequently from clients injured on the job is whether they can have their own doctor treat their injuries. Georgia workers\u2019 compensation law significantly limits your options when it comes to the medical care providers who may treat your work injuries.\u00a0Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may or may not be able to see the medical care providers of your choice.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAt Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our workplace injury attorneys\u00a0are here to make sure you understand your rights and options. Read on to learn more about seeking medical treatment through workers\u2019 compensation. If you have questions or concerns, call us today for a free consultation with an\u00a0experienced Georgia workers\u2019 compensation lawyer.\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tWhat Is Workers\u2019 Compensation?Workers\u2019 compensation is a form of insurance paid by employers to aid employees when injured on the job. The insurance benefits generally cover medical and rehabilitation expenses.\u00a0They also offset a limited portion of the injured employee\u2019s lost wages if they cannot work while recovering from their injuries.Most employers in\u00a0Georgia are\u00a0legally required\u00a0to carry workers\u2019 compensation insurance. If your workplace has three or more full-time, part-time, or seasonal employees, it is likely subject to this rule. Some kinds of workers \u2014 including railroad carriers, farm workers, and domestic workers \u2014 are exempt from the requirement.Workers\u2019 compensation is a kind of no-fault insurance. This means that benefits do not increase if the injuries were the employer\u2019s fault, nor do they decrease if the injuries were the employee\u2019s fault. In exchange for workers\u2019 compensation benefits, injured employees may not sue their employer to receive compensation for their injuries.Can I See My Own Doctor for a Work Injury in Georgia?In general, you must seek medical treatment from providers preselected by your employer. Georgia\u2019s\u00a0worker\u2019s compensation statute\u00a0gives employers significant discretion when choosing the medical care providers available to treat workplace injuries. Employers must inform their employees of available physicians in at least one of two ways:Panel of Physicians \u2013 Employers may post a list known as a \u201cPanel of Physicians,\u201d which must include \u201cat least six physicians or professional associations or corporations of physicians who are reasonably accessible to the employees.\u201d Further, the list must include at least one orthopedic physician and no more than two industrial clinics. Injured employees may choose any one of the six physicians to treat their injuries. They also have one opportunity to switch to another physician on the list without prior authorization. Further, the physicians selected from the list \u201cmay arrange for any consultation, referral, and extraordinary or other specialized medical services as the nature of the injury shall require.\u201dWorkers\u2019 Compensation Managed Care Organization (WC\/MCO) \u2013\u00a0The employer may also choose to contract with a WC\/MCO to carry out their workers\u2019 compensation obligations, in which case the arrangement is governed by \u201cManaged Care Organization Procedures.\u201dNo matter which option your employer chooses, they are required to take \u201call reasonable measures\u201d to ensure that employees are well-informed about their options and receive appropriate assistance in exercising their workers\u2019 compensation benefits. This includes posting the Panel of Physicians or Managed Care Organization Procedures in \u201cprominent places upon the business premises.\u201dIf your employer fails to provide this information, you may be allowed to choose your own doctor to treat your workplace injuries at your employer\u2019s expense. Before doing so, it is a good idea to consult with an attorney to make sure you understand your rights and options.What If I Need a Second Opinion?You have the right to an independent medical evaluation (IME) if you believe that your authorized physician wrongly determined that you no longer require medical treatment, thereby disqualifying you from further benefits. Your employer also has the right to an IME if they believe the authorized physician wrongly determined that your treatment should continue.Employees who choose to go through an IME must do so \u201cwithin 120 days of receipt of any income benefits.\u201d They must also notify their employer or the employer\u2019s insurer in writing before the IME. The IME must not repeat any diagnostic procedures that have already been performed since the injury unless the costs \u201cin\u00a0excess of $250.00 are paid for by a party other than the employer or the insurer.\u201dWhat About Caring for Your Injuries After a Workplace Accident?If injured in a workplace accident, report your injury to your employer as soon as possible, and do not hesitate to seek medical attention as needed. If you cannot immediately report your injury to your employer, have a trusted coworker report it for you. If your injuries are severe, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.Georgia law significantly restricts the treatment options available to injured employees through workers\u2019 compensation. However, it does provide one significant exception in the case of emergencies. Specifically, if an \u201cemergency or similarly justifiable reason\u201d makes it impossible or unfeasible to seek medical treatment from the options provided by your employer, the rules are relaxed so long as the situation persists.Contact a Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Attorney Today for Help with Your ClaimWorkers\u2019 compensation claims in Georgia can be extremely complex and frustrating, especially if you are struggling with a serious injury. Sadly, it may even feel as though the cards are stacked against injured employees. That said, you do not need to face the process alone.At\u00a0Sherrod & Bernard, P.C., our injury attorneys have three decades of experience helping our client understand their rights and secure maximum compensation for their workplace injuries. Let us put our experience to work for you. Contact our office today for a free, confidential case evaluation with a workers\u2019 compensation attorney in Georgia.Visit Our Georgia Workers\u2019 Compensation Law Offices"},{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org\/","@type":"BreadcrumbList","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Blog","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/#breadcrumbitem"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Can I See My Own Doctor for Workplace Injuries in Georgia?","item":"https:\/\/www.sherrodandbernard.com\/blog\/can-i-see-my-own-doctor-for-workplace-injuries\/#breadcrumbitem"}]}]