After being hurt on the job, Georgia workers may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits, including medical treatment for the injuries they sustained. Unfortunately, not all types of treatment are covered. The state's workers' compensation law limits coverage to medical treatments that are considered “reasonable and necessary.”
While what constitutes “reasonable and necessary” medical care is debatable, it's generally thought to mean treatment that meets the accepted standard of care for your injury or condition. Emergency room visits, doctors' appointments, basic diagnostic tests, some physical therapy, and prescription pain medication are just a few examples of the types of treatment commonly covered by workers' compensation.
While evidence-based Western medicine is often acceptable, getting coverage for alternative treatments like chiropractic care, acupuncture or acupressure, massage, homeopathy, and biofeedback can be much more difficult. Insurers are often reluctant to pay for even valid treatments, but they're especially resistant to footing the bill for treatments they don't believe are effective.
However, that doesn't necessarily mean that all alternative treatments are out of the question—but it does mean you need high-quality and aggressive legal representation. An experienced Georgia workers' compensation attorney may be able to prove that the desired treatment is, in fact, reasonable and necessary. And if the alternative treatment isn't approved by the insurance company, you can opt to undergo it and pay for it yourself.
Georgia workers' compensation may be a no-fault insurance system, but that doesn't mean you'll receive the maximum benefits to which you're entitled without a fight. Your employer and its insurer want to cut costs—and if you don't have strong legal representation, they may do so at your expense. After a workplace injury, the sooner you involve an attorney in your case, the better.
Consult an Experienced Workers' Compensation Attorney
At Rechtman & Spevak, our skilled attorneys help injured Georgia workers collect the benefits they deserve. Find out how we can help you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment for a free, initial case review.
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