Your Doctor is the One that Counts
If you have been placed on work restrictions by your doctor, you have the right to rely on those restrictions. This is true even if your employer asks you to change your restrictions or the doctor for the workers' compensation carrier says you are able to return to work. You are under no obligation to change your work restrictions because of a request by your employer or claims adjuster. Your doctor is in charge of your treatment, not your employer or your claims adjuster.Focus on Symptoms You Are Experiencing
When discussing potential work restrictions or the possibility of returning to work with your doctor, describe your symptoms and what activities aggravate or relieve your symptoms. By focusing on your symptoms, your doctor can issue restrictions that are appropriate for your symptoms and your job duties. It is important that you follow any work restrictions issues by your doctor.An Employer Must Respect Your Doctor's Orders
If your worker’s compensation claim has been denied, your employer can choose to rely on the work restrictions from the doctor for the worker’s compensation carrier. This means your employer may decide to stop accommodating the work restrictions issued by your doctor. However, your employer cannot force you to work against your doctor’s restrictions, and you can still choose to rely on those restrictions. If your employer chooses to rely on the restrictions from the doctor for the worker’s compensation carrier, this could lead to additional legal claims.Contact a Wisconsin Workers' Compensation Attorney
Please call a Madison workers' compensation attorney directly at (608) 257-0040 or a Milwaukee workers' compensation attorney at (414) 271-8650, or email us via our Contact Page.