Legal Question in Workers Comp in Florida
time from injury to time of med treatment
i was injured four day's ago and still have not received release from the insurance company to receive treatment. i cannot receive treatment from a doctor under workmans comp till i receive autherization from the insurance company. what can i do to to start getting treatment. i tore a tendent in my ankle and went to e.r. but all they did was wrap it and told me to see a specialist the next day, but i can't go without this auth. release from the insurance comp. please help in giving me a direction to go.
1 Answer from Attorneys
workers compensation medical treatment
You need to contact your State of Florida, Department of Labor, Division of Workers Compensation Ombudsman. Every county is required to have one and they are the person responsible for providing initial assistance to a WC victim. Their number is usually in the white pages of the phone book. This person is the guardian of the courthouse and until they are involved the legislature has determined you have no rights in court. It is very important to get them involved ASAP. To answer your question more specifically there is no time limit for when the insurance carrier must provide you medical treatment. Do not go to an unauthorized physician, the only time you can do that is if you are in a life threatening situation. If you get frustrated and see an unauthorized doctor the insurance company may refuse to provide any medical benefits. If this sounds like a mess it really is!!