Overview of Workers comp Hawaii Laws

Workers comp Hawaii laws are confusing to a majority of people. It is not surprising that about 3 million Americans are injured every year while on the job which makes it all the more important for you to gather as much information as possible about workers’ compensation laws. Below are answers to the most common questions you need to remember.

In the event I am injured at work, what should I do?

Each state in the United States has its own policies and procedures when it comes to workers’ compensation. However, in the event you are injured while on duty, the employer’s workers comp insurance firm should be able to provide for your care. In Hawaii, employees are expected to report within 3 months but you should notify your employer immediately in order to receive immediate medical care and coverage.

Should my employer require me to go to a certain hospital or doctor?

Yes, considering that the employer is going to pay for the medical expenses via the workers’ compensation insurance coverage, he or she has the mandate to ensure that for the first 3 months of treatment you are under the care of what is known as the panel doctor. A panel doctor is the medical practitioner chosen by the employer to treat all work related injuries.

What happens should the doctor find something wrong after the injury?

For example, if you incur a twisted ankle while on duty, and during treatment, the doctor discovers you had a broken toe from a few weeks earlier, who should pay for the non work related injuries? Broadly speaking your health insurance firm or your self should foot such a bill. If a prior work injury is aggravated by a new but non-work injury, then the situation becomes more complex and you should consult with a legal representative or your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance coverage provider.

Who has access to my medical records in the event of a workers’ comp?

Privacy laws such as those established under HIPAA are in most cases, less restrictive when a workers comp Hawaii case is on the table. The employer’s workers’ compensation provider and employer have access to the records. Of importance, is that you should also be able to access such records as well as your physician for accuracy purposes.

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