While there’s no strict statutory deadline to see a doctor, delaying medical treatment can jeopardize your claim. Florida law requires that you report the injury within 30 days and, in most cases, you must pursue your workers’ compensation benefits within two years of the injury or when you first discover it. It’s best to get medical attention within 24 to 48 hours after being injured at work. There may not be a statute setting a time limit to see a doctor, but there is to report the injury.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait To See a Doctor After a Work Injury in Miami
No matter what, you must report the accident or injury to your employer within 30 days of the incident. Having documentation that you immediately sought treatment can help prove your claim that the injuries were due to the accident, creating records that link the injury to work.
Waiting to seek medical attention can bring more disputes from insurance, questioning how or when your injuries happened, or if some of your injuries could have been prevented by going immediately. Getting a medical opinion on your injuries will also reveal the full extent of your injuries for claims, support your workers’ compensation case, and help if you decide to pursue a third-party lawsuit.
Can I Choose My Own Doctor for a Work Injury?
If your injury doesn’t require an emergency room visit, you’ll need to see a doctor authorized by your employer or their insurance company once the injury is reported. By law, your employer must notify the workers’ compensation carrier within seven days of learning about your injury. After receiving that report, the insurer has three business days to send you written information about your rights and benefits. If your employer fails to report it, you can contact the insurance company directly.
Florida law requires that medical treatment, prescriptions, and care come from an approved provider, though you do have the right to choose your own pharmacy. The records from your initial visit—whether at an emergency room or with an authorized doctor—are crucial, as they document the severity of your injuries as close to the time of the work accident in Miami as possible.
What Should I Do After My First Doctor Visit?
After your first doctor’s visit, always keep the records and paperwork from that visit and future appointments. Consider beginning a pain journal after the first appointment, or on the day of the injury, to keep track of your injuries, symptoms, and recovery.
Follow your treatment plan exactly in any directions you provide after the first visit. It is essential to your overall health and your claim that you follow your doctor’s orders. Keep up with any physical therapy or medications.
Regularly update your employer and insurer on your injury and recovery. Notify them in writing, such as via email, so you have proof they were contacted.
Workers’ compensation claims can be complicated, especially while trying to recover physically, but our experienced Miami workers’ compensation lawyer, James D. Payer, can help you through this process.
How Payer Law Can Help With Medical Care After a Miami Work Injury
With an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer like James D. Payer, you can trust that you will have someone to look out for you and guide you through every step so your claim is stronger and you won’t lose any benefits. We also know Miami well and where the best care can be found.
When you choose Payer Law, you can count on us to:
- Connect you with an approved doctor so your treatment is covered
- Ensure your injuries are thoroughly documented to strengthen your claim
- Organize and coordinate medical records to align with your legal case
- Challenge the insurance company if they dispute your injury
- Track every deadline to protect your rights
- Recommend specialists when additional care is needed
It’s best not to wait and to consider your options soon after an accident, as you have two years to file a claim under Florida’s statute of limitations for workers’ compensation claims. This deadline to file a workers comp claim in Miami begins on the date of your injury or when you become aware of it and its connection to your job.
Injured at Work In Miami? Learn Your Legal Options
Payer Law Personal Injury Lawyers know this isn’t just a case, but your life. We have 30 years of experience helping victims, recovering over $100 million for clients through our aggressive representation, individualized service and a commitment to our clients and their cases.
If you’ve been injured at work in Miami, James D. Payer and our team at Payer Law can guide you through every step, starting with getting the right medical care. Call us today at 305-363-7099 or contact us for a free consultation.
