Illinois employers often act like they want to make sure their injured workers are taken care of, but many victims are shocked when they are forced to return to work early. It is unfortunately all too common for victims of workplace injuries to be told that their injuries are not serious or do not require further treatment, even when the opposite is true. While this is a stressful situation to deal with, it is usually possible to see a doctor of your own preference for a workplace injury.
Whether sent to a company-owned clinic or a physician who works closely with the employer, doctors tasked with treating injured workers often have a company’s bottom line on the mind. Doctors who work in close proximity with employers tend to find injured workers capable of returning to daily work activity without going to the trouble of rendering an accurate diagnosis. This puts victims in the difficult position of returning to work or insisting upon further treatment and possibly risking termination.
Choosing a more qualified doctor to assess an injury can be a smart move, but most victims are not informed of their right to do so. Indeed, some employers will actively fight against this option as they know that an outside doctor might determine that further treatment is necessary, keeping employees out of work for even longer periods of time. This makes it all the more important to seek a second opinion from a doctor of your choice.
Virtually no one dreams of being injured on the job and having to rely on workers’ compensation for medical bills and lost pay. However, this protection is vital to the health and safety of employees in Illinois. For those who have suffered a workplace injury and feel as though they are being forced back to work too early, a more accurate diagnosis from an outside doctor could help ensure that proper treatment is rendered.