Q: I fell at work on Friday, was in a little pain but ok. Now it's Sunday, can I go to ER and file WC on Mon.?
Will WC pay for the visit to ER before papers are filed?
A:
In general, the workers' comp insurance carrier will only pay for treatment that they or the employer authorize. It's not a question of papers being filed but of approval before your go. There is an exception for true emergency treatment. If you don't get approval ahead of time, the ER visit may or may not be considered a true emergency. Your best bet is to try to get approval from your employer before you go to the ER. The employer may tell you to instead go to somewhere like a Doctor's Care. As long as the employer tells you it is ok to go, the workers' comp insurance carrier should honor that and pay it. Once the claim is reported, be sure to continue to get authorization for treatment. For example, if the ER or Doctor's Care refer you to a specialist, you will need approval from the workers' comp insurance carrier to see the specialist and they will tell you who to go to.
If you have a serious injury that will require ongoing care or cause you to miss time from work, you should consider having representation on your claim.
Carole Jean Hayes agrees with this answer
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