If you’ve been injured on the job in Louisiana, you may wonder whether you must use a doctor your employer chooses in order to receive workers’ compensation benefits. It’s a common misconception that you must see only the company-approved doctor, but Louisiana law gives you more control over your medical care than many workers realize.

Understanding your rights when it comes to medical treatment after an on-the-job injury is critical. Employers and their insurance providers may recommend doctors who could prioritize your employer’s financial interests over your health.

Knowing the law and working with experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers can help you receive fair treatment and the benefits you deserve.

Do You Have to Use Your Employer’s Doctor?

The short answer: No. Under Louisiana workers’ compensation laws, you have the right to choose your own doctor for treatment following a work injury. However, there are important details you should be aware of.

After reporting your injury to your employer, they may refer you to a physician of their choice for an initial evaluation. While you may be required to undergo this initial examination, you are not obligated to continue treatment with the employer-selected doctor.

Louisiana law allows injured workers to select one treating physician per specialty without needing approval from their employer or the workers’ compensation insurance company. This means you can choose a doctor you trust for ongoing care in areas like orthopedics, pain management, or physical therapy.

Why Employers May Push Their Own Doctor

It’s an unfortunate reality that some employers and insurance companies prioritize saving money over your well-being. The doctors they recommend may have financial ties to the company, creating a conflict of interest where cutting costs and getting you back to work as soon as possible can take priority over your health and recovery.

Imagine being rushed back to work while you’re still in pain or having your injury downplayed just to save the company money. A company-selected doctor might:

  • Minimize the severity of your injury, making it harder for you to get the care you need.
  • Pressure you into returning to work before you’ve fully healed.
  • Recommend limited or delayed treatment, putting your long-term health at risk.

No one should have to fight for proper care after a work injury. Choosing your own doctor helps ensure your health comes first, not your employer’s profits. Your recovery matters; the right medical care can make a difference in your workers’ compensation claim and your ability to heal fully.

Why Choosing Your Own Doctor Matters

Selecting your own physician helps ensure that your health remains the priority after your injury. A doctor who works for you, rather than your employer, is more likely to:

  • Provide a thorough diagnosis of your injuries.
  • Recommend necessary treatments without financial pressure to reduce costs.
  • Give honest assessments about your ability to return to work.
  • Provide unbiased medical reports to support your workers’ comp claim.

What If Your Employer Denies Your Choice?

While Louisiana law gives you the right to choose your doctor, disputes can arise. If your employer or their insurance company denies your request to see a physician of your choice, you have the right to an expedited hearing. A Workers’ Compensation judge must hear your case within 30 days of your filing for a hearing.

During the hearing, the judge evaluates whether your employer or insurer has a valid reason to deny your choice of doctor, such as concerns about the doctor’s qualifications or treatment necessity. If they can’t provide good cause, the judge can order them to approve your selected physician.

Steps To Take After a Work Injury in Louisiana

If you’ve been injured on the job, follow these steps to protect your health and your right to workers’ compensation benefits:

  • Report the Injury: Notify your employer as soon as possible. Failing to report promptly could affect your eligibility for benefits. Your employer must then submit your claim to their insurer within 10 days.
  • Seek Medical Care: If directed to see a company doctor for an initial evaluation, attend the appointment, but remember you have the right to select your own physician afterward.
  • Document Everything: Keep records of medical visits, diagnoses, treatments, and any communication with your employer or their insurance provider.
  • Consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: Speak with a skilled workers’ compensation attorney to understand your rights, handle disputes, and help ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to. Our team at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers can help you:
  • Enforce your right to choose your treating physician.
  • Challenge denials of medical care.
  • Receive fair compensation for your medical expenses and lost wages.
  • Protect you from retaliation for asserting your rights.

Get Qualified Legal Guidance With Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers

If you’ve been injured at work, don’t settle for an employer-selected doctor who may not have your best interests in mind. Employers and their insurers often have legal teams working to minimize their costs, and you deserve the same protection.

Our experienced Louisiana workers’ compensation lawyers at Dudley DeBosier can uphold your right to receive care from your preferred provider. We will work to secure the benefits that support your financial and physical recovery.

Contact us today for a free consultation. We can review your claim, help you file an appeal, and fight to obtain the compensation you’re entitled to.

This content has been reviewed by Scott Sonnier, workers’ compensation attorney at Dudley DeBosier Injury Lawyers.