DO I HAVE TO FOLLOW THE COMPANY DOCTOR’S ADVICE?

Doctors sometimes disagree about whether or not a worker is capable of returning to work or about what restrictions the worker needs.  Employees should consult with their personal physician to determine whether or not they are able to return to new or different work, with or without restrictions. Of course, it is never recommended that a worker should return to work at a job that will cause injury or harm. However, if a worker at least tries to do the work offered by his employer, it  shows that he or she is making a real effort at recovery and recuperation.        

A worker who refuses reasonable medical treatment that would relieve his or her disability may forfeit his right to continuing benefits.  (For the employer to terminate benefits for this reason, however, it has to make clear, on the record, that it has offered to pay for any such treatment.)  What constitutes reasonable medical treatment depends upon the facts and circumstances of any given case. .

Finally, a worker must submit to medical examinations at the request of the employer or risk forfeiture of benefits, although it is not proper for the employer or its insurance company to send a worker to dozens of doctors in hopes of finding one who will help them deny your claim.

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