The biggest concern after an injury is usually: Has the insurance company admitted liability in my case? Many injured workers think that if the employer sends them to a physician – and the insurance company pays the medical bills – then that must mean they accept liability for the injury. This is incorrect. Payment toward medical bills does not obligate the insurance company to admit liability.
Why would an insurance carrier pay the medical bills for an injury they may decide to dispute? There are two reasons.
First, by sending you to a doctor – the insurance company ensures that you will see a doctor that the insurance company selects. This doctor will be conservative and make sure that you are available for some type of work – rather than taking you off work completely. The doctor will not be eager to recommend expensive tests or treatments until other less-expensive alternatives have been explored.
Second, the insurance company hopes that if they provide medical care you will not seek a lawyer. Maybe you will get better, return to work, and then no fight will be necessary.
Regardless of the reasons – do not assume that you have properly filed for workers’ compensation or that your case has been admitted – simply because the insurance company is paying for medical treatment. We can help preserve your rights.
Workers Compensation can be difficult, confusing, and very complex. Kaplan Morrell has helped thousands of injured workers since 1997 get the benefits they deserve. Contact us here or call us at 303-780-7329 for your FREE CONSULTATION.