What You Tell Your Doctor is Important to Your Work Comp Case

Illinois Workers’ Compensation cases depend heavily on your medical records.

The Arbitrator spends a lot of time reviewing your records to find out about your work injury, your medical treatment and your problems and limitations.

It makes sense that what you tell the doctor will show up in your medical notes.

The Arbitrator bases part of her decision regarding the value of your case on what are your limitations and restrictions.

For instance, how long are you able to stand and walk during an 8 hour day is a crucial part of many Workers’ Compensation cases.

Lifting abilities, range of motion, and pain are also crucial.

This means that it is very important for you tell the doctor your symptoms and how your work injury affects you.

You should do this every time you go to the doctor.

Some examples:

My hands go numb and tingle almost every day. Especially when I use them a lot.

I cannot pick up small items to handle, hold or finger things.

My legs are painful and I get pins and needle like feelings when I stand more than 20 minutes.

I have to sit and rest for an hour after this.

My pain medications make me tired. I need to take a nap for 1 hour each afternoon.

My legs swell throughout the day. I have to spend much of the day elevating my legs waist height.

Remember, telling your doctor your major problems and how they limit you can make the difference between the correct settlement amount and a disappointing award or settlement.