How to Get Surgery for Workers' Compensation Injuries in Orlando, Florida
Orlando workers' compensation attorney reveals what employers don't want you to know! Explore the strategies that Central Florida employees use to fast-track their surgery approvals.
Serving Orlando and Central Florida Workers
As an experienced Orlando workers' compensation attorney, I understand the unique challenges faced by workers in Orange County, Seminole County, and throughout Central Florida. Our law firm has successfully helped hundreds of Orlando-area workers navigate the complex Florida workers' compensation system to get the medical care and surgery they deserve.
Phone: (407) 555-0123
Address: 730 Vassar St #300, Orlando, FL 32804
Serving: Orlando, Winter Park, Altamonte Springs, Kissimmee, and all of Central Florida
Free Consultation: Available for all work injury cases
If you think you may need surgery, you must understand how to get medical treatment through your employer's insurance company.
Whether it's finding an authorized doctor or explaining your pain clearly, this system can be difficult to navigate without guidance from an experienced Orlando workers' compensation attorney.
Download my book, Florida Workers' Compensation, for detailed advice on securing care and compensation the right way.
Contact Us For a Free Strategy Meeting
1. Finding a Doctor
In Florida Worker's Compensation, you can't simply find ANY doctor. In order to see what type of surgery you may need for your injuries, you must be evaluated by an authorized and chosen doctor.
You CANNOT just go to any provider for ongoing care. It must be approved or it may not be covered. Below is an overview of how to get started and what to expect from the insurance company and your employer.
- When you get injured, report the incident and injuries to your employer within 30 days of the accident.
- Collect the doctor information that their insurance company gives you.
- Go to your assigned doctor.
2. Talking To Your Doctor
Helping your doctor understand your injuries is crucial. If the doctor didn't write it, it didn't happen.
Chapter 3 of my book offers tips to prepare and communicate clearly at your appointments.
Overview:
- Prepare for your first evaluation
- Accurately describe your pain
- Gather your records
How Do I Prepare For My First Evaluation?
BEFORE
- Write down symptoms + times.
- Track miles to appointments.
- Let your attorney know in advance.
DURING
- Report personal inventory truthfully.
- Describe pain in clear, quantifiable terms.
How Do I Describe My Pain?
"I can only stand for 20 minutes."
"Sharp, burning, tingling."
"Like an electric shock."
Questions Your Doctor May Ask:
Gathering Your Records
After appointments, always request a DWC-25 form and any referrals.
3. Seeking a Specialist
Insurance companies will assign you certain specialists if they see that they are needed when the original injuries are declared. However, insurance companies ARE NOT medical practitioners and don't always assign the doctors you may need at first. For example, if you are experiencing nerve issues, you could ask your doctor if it would be beneficial for you to see a neurologist.
Explore our detailed book, which equips you with the knowledge and strategies to manage the intricacies of finding the right specialist for your unique medical needs.
Overview:
- What Specialists can I have?
- How to get proof of referral from your doctor
- How to get it approved by your employer's insurance
Specialist FAQ
To secure care from a specialist, make sure that:
- You get proof of referral from your authorized doctor
- Your employer's insurance approves of the referral
4. The Process
What to Expect from Your Surgical Experience
- Starts with a referral to a surgeon.
- The surgeon will order tests to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. For example, an MRI or blood test.
- Follow-up appointments are conducted to discuss options such as medications, pain management, therapy, and finally, if it is necessary, surgery.
- Sometimes another appointment or a call is required to reach a decision.
- Pre-op appointment to discuss dietary restrictions, medications for before and after the surgery, post-op transportation, and hospital stay details.
- The surgery takes place.
- You are discharged with instructions.
- Follow-up appointments for your recovery sometimes involve pain medication or physical therapy.
- If surgery does not go well, sometimes additional surgery or pain management is required.
Leveling the Playing Field: The Importance of Legal Expertise in Workers' Comp Claims
- Complexities of the Law – Workers' compensation laws are intricate, varying from state to state, and navigating them without proper legal knowledge can be daunting. A skilled Orlando attorney ensures that you understand the nuances of Florida laws and that your rights are upheld throughout the process.
- Avoid Costly Mistakes – A small oversight can result in reduced compensation or even denial of your claim. An attorney's expertise reduces the risk of errors, ensuring you get the compensation you deserve.
- Maximize your Benefits – Insurance companies aim to minimize the payouts. A workers' compensation attorney will be equipped to negotiate on your behalf, ensuring that you receive maximum benefits.
- Representation in Hearings – If your claim is denied or disputed, you might need to present your case before a workers' compensation judge. An attorney will prepare and present evidence and argue your case more effectively than you could on your own.
- Additional Claims – In some instances, a workplace injury may have been caused by the negligence of a third party (not your employer). An attorney can identify these opportunities and assist in filing additional personal injury lawsuits, potentially increasing your compensation.
- Guard Against Retaliation – It's unfortunate, but some employers may retaliate against employees for filing a workers' compensation claim. With an attorney at your side, you'll be better equipped to handle any potential backlash and ensure that your rights as an employee are upheld.