If you have been injured on the job, your medical & chiropractic bills are covered by the state’s Workers Compensation program. Workers Compensation can be a complex issue. Our office has the experience and knowledge to deal with the many issues that can arise. The following is a brief overview of the Workers Compensation Program. Should you have other questions regarding your rights or coverage, contact our office at 952-925-4847 and we will try to help answer your questions or we can refer you to an attorney who specializes in Workers Compensation who will speak with you at no charge.

Worker’s Compensation (WC) is special insurance that your employer has to protect injured workers. You are covered under work comp if you are injured at work which will pay for your chiropractic or other doctor bills. You are also covered by WC if:

* You aggravate a pre-existing injury at work. That is, if you have had any previous neck or back injury and you aggravate that injury at work, you still are covered.
* Your injury gradually develops over a period of time because of repetitious \work activities. For example, with repetitive bending or lifting, you gradually develop low back pain or perhaps with frequent computer use, you develop neck and shoulder pain or wrist pain and numbness and tingling which gets progressively worse.

You have the right to consult Dr. Atkinson or any doctor of your choice, not your employer’s choice. The only exception to this rule would be if your employer has WC insurance through a state certified managed care organization. In this case, you must see a doctor through that managed care organization. Check with your employer to find this out. However, if you have been a previous patient of Dr. Atkinson within two years prior to the injury, you do have the right to be seen at our clinic even if your employer belongs to a state certified managed care organization.

Once you start treating with a doctor for more than one visit for a WC injury, you have the right to change to a different doctor by filling out a medical request form, authorization by the insurance carrier,employer, or referral by the first doctor you saw.

If you are injured or think you have been injured at work, always report it to your employer and fill out an accident report. Even minor injuries should be reported. Next consult Dr. Atkinson or another doctor of your choice. If you wait too long to report a work-related injury, you risk the chance of worker’s compensation denying the claim.

If you have any questions concerning a WC claim , please contact our office. We can also refer you to an attorney who deals with work comp cases. You can also contact the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry.