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The Power Struggle in MA Worker’s Comp: Your Doctor vs. The Insurance Company’s Choice

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One of the most critical and frustrating aspects of a workers’ compensation case is the tension over who gets to direct your medical care. While the Massachusetts workers’ compensation system is supposed to help you recover and return to work safely, insurers are businesses looking to minimize costs. That difference in goals can create a serious conflict—especially when it comes to who treats your injuries.

You Deserve a Doctor Who Prioritizes You—Not the Insurance Company

It’s not uncommon for injured workers to feel like they’re being shuffled through a system where the insurance company calls the shots. But here’s the truth: you have rights. Under Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 152, §30, you can choose your own medical provider after the initial visit required by your employer.

Here’s how this often plays out:

  • You're injured at work.
  • Your employer or their insurer insists you see a specific provider.
  • That provider downplays your injury, recommends you return to work too soon, or fails to fully explore the extent of your injuries.
  • You’re left feeling unheard—and still in pain.

That’s when you need an advocate. That’s when you need Percy Law Group, PC.

Why the Right Doctor Matters in a Workers’ Compensation Claim

The doctor you choose can significantly impact the course of your claim—not just your recovery. A physician experienced with workers’ compensation cases knows how to properly document injuries, provide detailed reports, and make accurate referrals for specialists or therapy. This documentation is the backbone of your case—it’s what the insurer and the Department of Industrial Accidents will rely on to determine your benefits.

Warning Signs: When Your Medical Care Might Be Compromised

If you’re receiving care from a provider selected by the insurer, be on the lookout for red flags such as:

  • Rushed appointments with little time for questions.
  • Treatment plans that don’t address long-term healing.
  • Insistence that you return to work before you feel ready.
  • Pushback on referrals to specialists or physical therapy.

If you’re experiencing any of these, it's time to take control of your medical care—and your future.

Navigating IMEs and Insurance Tactics

Insurers often rely on Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs) to justify reducing or terminating your benefits. While they’re called “independent,” these exams are conducted by doctors hired by the insurance company, and the outcomes frequently favor the insurer.

Percy Law Group, PC has seen countless clients whose benefits were unfairly cut off based on a one-time IME that ignored the treating physician’s detailed medical records. We know how to challenge these reports and ensure your real medical needs are respected.

How Percy Law Group, PC Fights for Your Right to Choose

At Percy Law Group, PC, our goal is simple: to protect your health and your rights. We help clients throughout Massachusetts assert control over their medical treatment by:

  • Reviewing your medical records and the insurer’s communications.
  • Ensuring that your treating physician’s opinion is front and center.
  • Filing motions to change providers when necessary.
  • Appealing any improper denial or reduction of medical benefits.

We’re not afraid to go up against big insurers to make sure our clients get the care they deserve—and we’ve done it successfully for decades.

What If You Already Saw the “Insurance Doctor”?

It’s not too late. Even if you started with a doctor chosen by your employer or insurance company, you can still make a change. You have the right to switch once without needing approval. That one change can make all the difference in your claim and in your recovery.

If you feel your doctor isn’t listening to you, is minimizing your pain, or isn’t recommending appropriate treatment, it’s time to consider your options. At Percy Law Group, PC, we’ll help you exercise your right to switch, ensuring the transition is smooth and your care continues uninterrupted.

Real Case Examples: Advocacy in Action

While we protect client privacy, we can share examples of how our work has helped injured workers reclaim control:

  • Warehouse worker denied surgery: An insurer’s IME claimed a shoulder tear was pre-existing. We fought back with medical records from a client-selected orthopedic specialist, and the surgery was approved.
  • Construction employee pushed back to work too soon: After switching from the insurer’s preferred provider to an independent occupational health doctor, we secured extended medical leave and wage replacement benefits.
  • Healthcare aide denied physical therapy: We successfully petitioned the Department of Industrial Accidents to approve an extended therapy plan based on the treating doctor’s notes.

These aren’t just victories—they’re life-changing outcomes for people who were in pain, frustrated, and ready to give up.

Protecting Your Long-Term Health and Financial Stability

Injuries don’t just affect your body—they affect your livelihood. Rushing back to work without healing properly increases your risk of reinjury, chronic pain, and even permanent disability. When your doctor understands your job and how your injury affects your ability to do it, your treatment plan will reflect that reality—not just the insurer’s bottom line.

Percy Law Group, PC is committed to protecting not only your immediate recovery but your future financial security. We’ll make sure your benefits—medical and financial—reflect the full impact of your injury.

Don’t Let the Insurance Company Dictate Your Recovery

Your health is too important to leave in the hands of someone working for the insurer. At Percy Law Group, PC, we believe every injured worker in Massachusetts deserves access to quality, unbiased medical care. Whether you were hurt on a construction site in Lowell, slipped on a hospital floor in Taunton, or developed carpal tunnel working an office job in Boston—your recovery starts with the right support.

We are your partner in this fight. Let us help you:

  • Get the care you need.
  • See the doctor you trust.
  • Maximize your benefits.
  • Push back when the insurance company says “no.”

Contact Percy Law Group, PC Today

Don’t wait to take control of your workers’ compensation claim. Every day you delay is a day the insurance company stays in the driver’s seat.

Call Percy Law Group, PC at (508) 206-9900 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation. Let’s make sure your voice—and your choice—are heard.

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