When Should You Get a Doctor’s Second Opinion on Your Work Injury?

A second opinion often becomes important when the treating doctor gives misleading recommendations to favor the insurance company.

It’s important to seek immediate medical attention after a workplace injury, even if you don’t experience pain or have visible injuries. An exhaustive medical assessment after a workplace injury will allow you to get the necessary medical treatment, which, if not sought, can further damage your health or delay your ability to return to work. What’s more, the medical reports can be used to prove that your injuries were caused by a workplace accident and also help you determine the value of your injury claim.

st. louis worker getting medical attention for work injury

However, it’s not uncommon for workplace injury victims to seek a second opinion about their injuries and medical reports. Here’s what you should know about getting a second opinion on your workers’ comp claim.

Why Should I Get a Second Opinion for My Workers’ Compensation Claim?

The main reason for seeking other opinions is to avoid bias. This often becomes important if the treating doctor is giving misleading recommendations to favor the insurance company. Other reasons may include:

  • Your current physician is underestimating your injuries
  • The doctor advises you to resume work, but you feel you’re not ready
  • You disagree with the doctor’s treatment recommendations
  • A second opinion will help you understand the effectiveness of your initial treatment

When Should You Consider Seeking a Second Opinion?

Your Physician Cannot Give a Clear Diagnosis: In some cases, it can be difficult for your doctor to diagnose your injuries with certainty. Therefore, seeking other opinions can help get other doctors’ advice on additional testing and better treatment options.

There’s More Than One Treatment Option: If you can get more treatment options for the injuries, it may be advisable to seek a second opinion to determine the best one to pursue.

Your Condition Isn’t Improving: If your physician has treated you and the condition doesn’t improve, it may be worth looking for a second opinion from other specialists.

You’re Uncomfortable Discussing Your Condition with the Physician: If you’re not comfortable around a certain doctor, it may be time to discuss this with your attorney and seek a second opinion.

What is an IME?

An independent medical examination is a medical examination conducted to confirm the doctor’s finding for your workplace injury. After reviewing your condition, an IME physician will give their findings, either disputing or supporting your doctor’s report.

Speak With an Experienced Missouri Workers Compensation Attorney

If you have been injured at work and want a second opinion about your medical treatment, it is important to discuss this with your workers’ compensation attorney before proceeding. An experienced Missouri work injury attorney at the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can help you understand your rights after a work injury. Give us a call 24/7 for a free case evaluation.

Speak With a Workers Comp Attorney

Give us a call 24/7 for a FREE Case Evaluation

Call (314) 361-4300
Updated: January 20, 2022