Can I Choose My Own Doctor for a Work Injury in Mississippi?
If you've suffered a workplace injury in Mississippi, one of your first concerns is likely getting proper medical treatment. The good news is that Mississippi law allows injured workers to choose their own physician. However, there are some circumstances where this right can become limited. Understanding your rights is crucial to ensuring you receive the best possible care and don't fall victim to insurance company tactics designed to limit your compensation.
Your Right to Choose Your Doctor
Under Mississippi workers' compensation laws, you have the right to select your treating physician. This means you can seek treatment from a doctor you trust rather than being forced to see one chosen by your employer or their insurance company. However, there are key exceptions:
Treatment for Six Months or More: If you continue treatment with a particular physician for six months, that doctor is presumed to be your authorized treating physician.
Surgery by a Physician: If you undergo surgery with a specific doctor, that physician is presumed to be your chosen provider for future treatment.
Outside of these exceptions, you maintain the right to seek care from the physician of your choice. But insurance companies may try to steer you toward doctors who prioritize their bottom line over your recovery.
Insurance Company Tactics to Watch Out For
After a workplace injury, your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance provider may try to control your medical treatment to reduce their costs. Here are some common tactics to be aware of:
Pushing You Toward a Company-Approved Doctor – Some employers will try to pressure injured workers into seeing a specific doctor who may minimize their injuries.
Delaying Treatment Approvals – Insurance companies may drag their feet in approving necessary treatments, hoping you'll give up or settle for less.
Prematurely Declaring Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) – This is when the insurance company claims you have recovered as much as possible—even if further treatment could help—so they can reduce or stop your benefits.
Lowball Settlement Offers – Insurers may offer a quick, inadequate settlement before you realize the full extent of your injuries and medical needs.
If any of these situations sound familiar, don’t let the insurance company dictate your recovery. Light the fuse and blow up their lowball offer with TNT LAW.
Steps to Take After a Workplace Injury
If you've been injured on the job in Mississippi, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Report the Injury Immediately – Notify your employer as soon as possible. Failing to do so within 30 days can jeopardize your claim.
Seek Medical Attention from Your Chosen Doctor – Remember, you have the right to choose your physician. Do not feel pressured to see a doctor recommended by your employer or their insurance company.
Follow Your Treatment Plan – Adhere to your doctor’s recommendations and keep records of all medical visits, prescriptions, and treatments.
Document Everything – Keep detailed records of your injury, doctor visits, missed workdays, and any communication with your employer or the insurance company.
Consult a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer – Insurance companies have teams of lawyers working to minimize your benefits. You need experienced legal representation to fight for your rights.
Why Choose TNT LAW?
At TNT LAW, we understand the challenges injured workers face when dealing with Mississippi workers’ compensation claims. Insurance companies will do everything they can to pay you less than you deserve—but we won’t let that happen.
We Fight for Maximum Compensation – We don’t let insurance companies get away with lowball offers or denied claims.
We Protect Your Right to Choose Your Doctor – We ensure that you receive care from the physician you trust, not one chosen by the insurance company.
We Take on the Insurance Companies for You – You focus on your recovery while we handle the legal battle.
If you’ve been injured on the job in Mississippi, don’t settle for less than you deserve. Call TNT LAW today for a free consultation, and let us fight for your rights. Light the fuse and blow up that lowball offer today!
