Does the Workers’ Comp Doctor Work for Your Employer in Missouri?

Understand how workers’ compensation works in the state of Missouri.

With some minor exceptions, Missouri workers’ compensation law provides coverage for all workers injured on the job while working within Missouri. The Workers’ Compensation Division of the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations administers Missouri workers’ compensation law. The most important thing you can do is talk to a Workers’ Compensation attorney. Call Northland Injury Law at 816-400-4878.

Does the Workers’ Comp Doctor Work for Your Employer?

Yes. The Workers’ Compensation Law gives the employer the right to select the health care providers for the injured worker. The employer usually delegates that right to the insurance company. This does not necessarily mean that the insurance company “directs” the medical care; the treating physician selected or “authorized” by the employer/insurer directs the medical care using his or her own independent medical judgment. However, the employer/insurer does have a qualified right to select or authorize a change in physician if the employer/insurer disagrees with the authorized treating physician.

It is important to note that while the employer usually delegates the right to select the health care providers to the insurance company, it is the employer’s right. Therefore, if the employer and the insurance company disagree on this matter, the employer’s wishes should prevail.

Talk to a Work Comp Lawyer

A Missouri attorney experienced in workers’ compensation can be an invaluable asset to your case, especially if you were seriously injured and cannot go back to work. You should strongly consider talking to a worker’s comp attorney if you need to appeal a denial of your claim and/or your injuries are severe or complex. For a more comprehensive list of all the questions you might have about workers’ compensation and for a free consultation, please call (816)-400-4878.

If you have further questions about your case, do not hesitate to reach out to us by phone, through the contact form, or even with the live chat option listed on our site!