Sustaining an injury while employed by the railroad company can be incredibly overwhelming, with many feeling unsure of the next steps they should take. Unfortunately, your employer may try to take advantage of this, by telling you that you must see the company doctor and that they have a right to talk to the doctor regarding your care. However, this is not necessarily true. If you’ve sustained an injury while working for the railroad, you’ll want to keep reading to learn your rights regarding your medical care and why connecting with a FELA lawyer is critical to helping you stay protected.
What Should I Tell My Doctor Following a Railroad Injury?
If you are hurt on the job, it’s important to take the correct steps to protect yourself if you later wish to file a Federal Employers’ Liability Act (FELA) claim. As such, one of the most important things to do is to seek medical care for the injuries you sustained.
When you report the accident to your shift supervisor, they may try to tell you that you have to go to the doctor hired by the railroad company. This is not true. A railroad worker who is injured while on duty is entitled to be transported to the nearest hospital where he or she can receive safe and appropriate medical care. During the course of your medical treatment, the railroad can require you to see a railroad doctor, but you do NOT have to wait for medical care or go to a company-friendly doctor when you need emergency care.
Upon arrival at your doctor, you should inform them that you are there for a work-related injury but that you are not under workers’ compensation. You should talk to your doctor and, if they are unfamiliar with FELA, give them a brief explanation of your rights as an injured railroad employee.
Finally, during your examination, you’ll want to give your provider a detailed explanation of the accident, what happened, and the pain and discomfort you’re experiencing as a result.
Is My Employer Allowed to Talk to My Doctor?
Your employer is allowed to communicate with your doctor regarding your medical care. The railroad may try to claim that because they are paying for your care, they have the right to talk to your doctor. This is not true. Your employer is, however, allowed to obtain your medical records. However, they cannot talk to your doctor about the care you receive in an attempt to interfere with your treatment.
As you can see, it’s important to protect your rights. However, when you’re in pain from an injury, your judgment may be clouded. That’s why it’s critical to connect with an experienced FELA attorney from Doran & Murphy. Our experienced team is dedicated to helping those left injured by the railroad’s negligence. Contact us today to learn how we can help if you’ve been hurt.
