Work Injuries

Since our clinic is located right in the middle of an employment epicenter, we see a significant amount of work-related (industrial) injuries or conditions.   These include low back injuries, shoulder pain, carpal tunnel syndrome, and other musculoskeletal conditions. 

Employers in the State of California are required to carry Workers Compensation insurance in the event an employee becomes injured or requires medical treatment for a condition arising out of the employee's job. Workers Compensation benefits include 100% medical coverage for necessary medical treatment, payment for lost wages, and payment for permanent disability.

In order for an injury to be compensible, it must require medical care, and/or cause some degree of disability (loss/reduction of function). Injuries can be specific incident, such as injuring your back while lifting a box; or they can be cumulative; for example, developing wrist pain from keyboard overuse.

Once an injured worker reports an injury to her/his employer verbally or in writing, the employer must refer the employee to a doctor selected from a provider network.  If the employer does not use a medical provider network, the employee may choose a doctor (who accepts workers compensation claims) on her own. The employee also has the right to request a change of treating doctors (up to two times) if she is not satisfied with her current one. An employer must authorize medical treatment (consistent with medical guidelines) for an alleged injury and shall continue to provide treatment until the date that liability for the claim is either accepted or rejected by the employer. If the employer denies the employee's claim, she may request a Qualified Medical Evaluation (QME)-- an independent review of her case to determine causation and liability. The employer and employee are then obligated to comply with the findings of the QME.

If you suspect that you have a condition that might be covered under your employer’s workers compensation coverage, give us a call.