Q: Are doctors' excuses not valid for getting paid, or must it be on a Form 73?
When I first received my workers compensation packet from the adjuster at my work, it stated nothing about having Form 73 being filled to receive payment as being out. My doctor has been filling out Form 73s and sending them to the adjuster, I have been bringing doctors' excuses for the days that I have received injections, and have not been able to make it to work for those days. When I spoke to the adjuster about receiving payment for the days that I have missed, she stated that the excuses were not valid and needed Form 73s. In the information packet I first received it stated that I needed doctors' excuses, and nothing about Form 73s.
A: You must be able to prove to an administrative law judge that you were unable to obtain or retain your preinjury wages due to your compensable injury. The adjuster can either pay or not pay you depending on what she thinks this personally means to him/her. There is no magic requirement to have the days listed on the DWC 73; however, that is the standard form that is most typically used. In fact, you don't need a doctor's excuse at all. You could simply testify to it. Of course, a judge is free not to believe your testimony. If you are having issues, you might want to get an attorney or at least discuss your case with a workers' comp attorney.
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