When Your Doctor Orders Surgery
If your doctor wants you to have surgery, should you be required to return to work before the surgery takes place? Have other treatment options been explored before you have surgery?
These are complex questions that require careful study. You should not make any decision without speaking with your doctor and an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
The lawyers of Hilley & Frieder, P.C., have extensive experience in cases involving complex workers’ compensation issues in Atlanta and throughout Georgia. We have helped hundreds of people obtain workers’ compensation benefits, and we will work hard to help you get the medical care, wage loss and disability benefits you deserve.
How Surgery Can Affect Your Claim In Georgia
Every workers’ compensation case is unique. Our lawyers will thoroughly review all aspects of your case before recommending your best course of action.
Some important facts you should know:
Even though the doctor recommends surgery, you do not have to have surgery to qualify for work comp benefits. Should you have surgery? Should you have surgery with the doctor who is presently treating you? Does your workers’ comp doctor have the best available skill to treat you? Should you get a second opinion? All of these are questions you should ask BEFORE you let the work comp doctor cut you open. Maybe you should talk with a lawyer before you decide on the surgery and whether to have surgery with your present doctor.
You should not be forced back to work while you are still recovering from a workplace injury. If your doctor says you should not work, don’t work. On the other hand, you may be able to perform light-duty tasks while you are still recovering. During this time, you may actually be able to continue to receive benefits while you are working. If you work at a limited capacity, you are entitled to receive income benefits equal to two-thirds of the difference between your average weekly wage prior to the injury and the weekly wage you are able to earn while you wait for surgery.
At Hilley & Frieder, P.C., we place a priority on your health and recovery, and in helping you get the medical care and benefits you deserve.
Schedule A Free Consultation
When your doctor orders surgery, get sound legal advice about your rights. For a free initial consultation about a workers’ compensation claim involving surgery, contact Hilley & Frieder, P.C. via email or call us at 404-795-6099. We represent workers throughout the state of Georgia from our offices in Atlanta.
