Patients or their families may have the right to sue a workers’ comp doctor in Illinois when their negligent acts cause injuries or death. Like other medical professionals, workers’ comp doctors sometimes make mistakes that constitute medical malpractice. They might misdiagnose injuries or fail to practice proper care when performing medical procedures and surgeries.
How Does Medical Malpractice Work if a Workers’ Comp Doctor Is Involved?
Workers’ compensation doctors have a duty to provide care that meets the standards of what other medical professionals would provide in the same or similar circumstances. Even though the workers’ comp doctor is paid by the employer’s insurance company, he or she still owes the patient a duty of care. Medical malpractice occurs when injury or death is caused by a medical professional’s negligence. Although the Workers’ Compensation Act protects employers from lawsuits except in rare cases, workers’ comp doctors are not afforded the same protection. A workers’ comp doctor malpractice claim or lawsuit may be filed against a workers’ compensation doctor if his or her negligence results in a patient’s harm.
For example, a workers’ comp doctor may cause injuries during a surgical procedure that lead to subsequent treatment. The insurance company may attempt to argue that they’re not responsible for covering long-term treatment because the doctor was the one who caused the injury, as opposed to the employer. However, the employer’s insurer is liable for additional wage loss, medical treatment, or permanent disability resulting from this doctor’s malpractice.
Can You Sue a Workers’ Comp Doctor?
Workers’ compensation insurance companies are responsible for medical treatment if a worker sustains injuries because of the doctor’s treatment or testing. While a workers’ comp claim could cover economic damages such as medical expenses and lost wages, it won’t help compensate for non-monetary damages such as pain and suffering. Filing a malpractice claim or lawsuit in addition to the workers’ compensation claim, however, can help account for the psychological and physical anguish the patient has suffered.
While fault does not need to be proved for a workers’ compensation claim to be successful, the following elements must exist to win a medical malpractice case.
- The physician owed the plaintiff a duty of care
- The physician breached the duty of care
- The victim suffered a compensable injury
- The injury was caused by the doctor’s negligence
In many cases, a workers’ comp lawyer can help a victim file a medical malpractice claim while the workers’ compensation claim is still in progress. If you have experienced a workers’ comp doctor misdiagnosis or some other mistake and, as a result, suffered injury, you may consider discussing your rights and options with an attorney.
Learn More About Workers’ Comp and Medical Malpractice Claims in IL
When You Have a Workers’ Compensation Claim and a Personal Injury Claim
Understanding Crossover Cases in Illinois
Injured at Work – Don’t be Bullied-You Can Still Choose Your Own Doctor!
