Alabama Workers Compensation Questions: (29) Do I have to have Surgery if I don’t want it?

Alabama Workers Compensation Questions: (29) Do I have to have Surgery if I don’t want it?

Do I have to have surgery if I don’t want it? If you have suffered a compensable job injury in Alabama, you have to see the company doctor. You are also obliged to cooperate with the treatment recommended by the treating physician, be it by attending physical therapy, properly taking certain medication or other reasonably forms of medical treatment. But what if the doctor says you need surgery and you don’t want surgery? Do you have to go under the knife just because you were hurt at work?

Generally, no. Surgery can be a serious thing, and not something to run into. If a back surgery has been recommended, but you are doubtful about the results-you don’t have to have surgery. If the surgery could lead to worse problems, then the decision whether to move forward with surgery belongs to you. You cannot be forced to have surgery as long as your reasons are reasonable.

You’ll notice that I said “generally,” this is because certain surgical procedures are deemed relatively low in a risk vs. benefit analysis (like a knee surgery or surgery to correct carpel tunnel syndrome) and refusing to have them to correct your injury would not be deemed reasonable. In those situations, refusing to undergo surgery could lead to a suspension of your workers compensation benefits.

If you live in Alabama and you have questions about what benefits you are entitled to receive under Alabama’s Workers Comp Statute, don’t hesitate to contact one of the experienced Alabama Workers Compensation Lawyers at Powell and Denny today.

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