5 Warning Signs You Can’t Trust Your Company’s Doctor

When you’re injured at work, your employer should have clear protocols in place to protect your health and well-being. This is especially crucial in high-risk industries where workplace injuries are unfortunately common. Most companies direct injured workers to see designated medical providers as part of their workers’ compensation process. While you should generally follow medical advice, it’s important to recognize when a company doctor might NOT be acting in your best interest. At The Floyd Law Firm, we’ve seen too many cases where workers suffered because they trusted a company doctor who wasn’t honest in prioritizing their health. Here are five critical warning signs to watch for.

1. They Rush You Back to Work

A responsible physician prioritizes your complete recovery over your employer’s scheduling needs. Even when an injury appears minor initially, proper medical care requires thorough evaluation and adequate healing time.

Be wary of any doctor who pressures you to return to work while you’re still experiencing pain or limited mobility, as this could jeopardize your workers’ compensation claim. Some injuries, particularly soft tissue injuries, may not show their full impact immediately and can worsen if not properly treated. Your health must come first. If you’re not feeling ready to resume your duties, communicate this clearly to your physician and document your ongoing symptoms.

2. They Downplay Your Condition

Some company doctors may minimize your injuries or provide inaccurate diagnoses that don’t reflect the true extent of your condition. This behavior often stems from pressure to reduce workers’ compensation claim costs or get workers back on the job quickly.

Watch for doctors who dismiss legitimate complaints of ongoing pain, refuse to order necessary diagnostic tests, or overestimate your physical capabilities and try to undermine you. Red flags include doctors who disregard necessary work limitations or push you to accept job changes that might aggravate your work injury. Remember, you know your body better than anyone, so trust your instincts and seek a second opinion if something doesn’t feel right.

3. They Don’t Listen to You

Poor communication is often at the root of inadequate medical care. A good doctor takes time to understand your symptoms, concerns, and how the injury affects your daily life.

If your company doctor consistently interrupts you, dismisses your complaints without proper consideration, or seems rushed during appointments, these are troubling indicators of deceit. Quality medical care requires active listening and thorough evaluation. Watch for doctors who fail to ask follow-up questions, don’t explain your diagnosis in understandable terms, or become defensive when you ask for clarification.

4. They Have Conflicts of Interest

Some physicians or medical clinics have ongoing contracts with employers or workers’ compensation insurers that may create conflicts of interest. Company doctors who consistently find injured workers ready to return quickly, rarely recommend additional treatment, or frequently dispute the need for specialists may be prioritizing cost savings over patient care.

Be cautious of medical facilities that feel more like processing centers than true healthcare providers who care. If you’re being rushed through an assembly line rather than receiving individualized attention, this could indicate the facility prioritizes volume over quality care. The Floyd Law Firm has represented numerous clients who discovered their company doctors were more concerned with keeping costs down rather than providing proper treatment.

5. They Refuse Appropriate Referrals

A competent physician knows when a patient’s condition requires specialized care that they don’t provide. If your company doctor refuses to refer you to specialists when your condition clearly warrants expert evaluation, this is a major red flag. You may need to see orthopedic surgeons, neurologists, physical therapists, or pain management specialists depending on your injury.

Some company doctors delay referrals unnecessarily or only refer to providers within their network who may have similar biases. You have the right to appropriate medical care, which sometimes includes seeing specialists who can provide targeted treatment for your specific condition.

Protecting Your Rights

Remember that your employer cannot prevent you from seeking a second medical opinion! And here at The Floyd Law Firm, we recommend getting an independent evaluation to ensure proper care. When seeking a second opinion, choose a physician who specializes in your type of injury and has experience with workers’ compensation cases.

Document everything: keep detailed notes about your symptoms, how they affect your daily life, and any concerning interactions with your company doctor. Request copies of all medical records and review them to ensure they accurately reflect your condition and treatment.

Legal Implications and Next Steps

When company doctors fail to provide appropriate care, it can significantly impact your workers’ compensation claim and long-term health outcomes. Inadequate treatment can lead to permanent disabilities, prolonged recovery times, and additional medical expenses.

If you recognize any of these warning signs, contact The Floyd Law Firm immediately. Our experienced workers’ compensation team can help you understand your rights, obtain proper medical care, and ensure your claim is handled fairly. Don’t let concerns about job security prevent you from seeking the medical care you need and deserve.

At The Floyd Law Firm, we’ve guided countless injured workers through these challenging situations, helping them obtain proper medical care and fair compensation. If you have suffered an injury at work in St. Louis, Missouri, you are likely entitled to financial compensation. Missouri’s workers’ compensation system provides an opportunity for injured workers to recover financial benefits for their medical expenses, lost wages, disability, and more.

Don’t let a company doctor’s inadequate care jeopardize your health and your workers’ compensation claim. Contact The Floyd Law Firm today to discuss your situation and learn about your options for obtaining proper medical treatment and fair compensation.