How Long Can I Receive Medical Care If I Have Been On Workers' Comp?
How long you can receive medical care if you have been on workers’ comp in South Carolina will depend on several factors. These include the nature and extent of your work injury, the medical treatment you’re receiving, and the specific facts of your situation.
However, South Carolina workers’ comp laws are complex, and your employer’s workers’ comp insurance provider will not readily provide the medical benefits you need. This is where legal guidance from a skilled Greenville workers’ comp lawyer comes in. If you have been on workers’ comp for some time and are wondering how long you can obtain medical benefits, here’s what you should know.
You Can Receive Workers’ Comp Medical Benefits For As Long As You Need Them
You can continue receiving medical care as long as it is related and necessary to your work injury. However, you should understand these key rules when determining the duration of your medical care:
Some Injuries Qualify for Lifetime Medical Care
If you have a severe or permanent injury that necessitates ongoing medical care, like the following catastrophic injuries, you may receive medical care for life:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Severe spinal cord injuries with paralysis
- Amputation
- Other life-changing injuries as deemed under workers’ comp laws
Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI) Matters for Less Serious Injuries
If you have a less serious injury, the duration of your medical care will be based on your maximum medical improvement level. This is the point at which your doctor determines you will not improve further because your condition has stabilized, even if you continue receiving medical care.
Once you’ve reached this point, you may stop receiving workers’ comp medical benefits. However, if you have a permanent impairment, you may still qualify for disability benefits. Additionally, you should know that just because you have reached MMI doesn’t automatically mean you can’t receive further medical care. If this applies to your situation, it’s in your best interest to talk to an experienced Greenville workers’ comp lawyer about the information relevant to your circumstances.
What If I Need More Medical Care?
You can request additional medical benefits if your condition gets worse over time or if new therapies or treatments become available that can help improve your condition. Likewise, there are cases in which chronic conditions associated with the work injury require continuing medical care, even after you’ve reached MMI. In addition, if your doctor determines you’ve reached MMI but feel that you haven’t fully recovered or need additional medical care, you can request an evaluation of your workers’ comp case.
However, a crucial factor in additional care is the necessity of medical treatment. You must prove that the specific treatments are necessary for your work injury. You will have to provide medical evidence to support your claim for additional care. Otherwise, you risk losing the medical care you need to survive.
Learn How Our Seasoned Greenville Workers’ Comp Attorney Can Help
Whether you are considering filing a workers’ comp claim or requesting additional medical benefits, you can trust our Greenville workers’ comp lawyer for legal guidance. Schedule your free case review with our Greenville workers’ comp attorney at Parham Smith & Archenhold LLC by reaching us online or dialing 864-242-9008.