In most cases, no, it is not true that you can only see your employer’s doctors for injuries sustained on the job.
If you’ve been injured on the job, you may be wondering whether you’re required to see only the doctors provided by your employer. In most cases, this is not true—you do have the right to seek medical treatment from a doctor of your choosing. However, depending on your employer’s work injury insurance plan, there may be restrictions on your initial treatment and which healthcare providers are covered.
Understanding your medical rights is critical because your employer’s doctor may not always have your best interests in mind. At Sandoval Law Firm, PLLC, Attorney Hector L. Sandoval helps injured workers receive the proper medical care and compensation they deserve—without employer interference.
📞 Call (346) 347-7777 for a FREE consultation today!
Do You Have to See Your Employer’s Doctor?
In most cases, you have the right to choose your own doctor for work-related injuries. However, your ability to do so depends on whether your employer is part of Texas Workers’ Compensation or a Non-Subscriber.
If Your Employer Has Texas Workers’ Compensation
- Your employer may require you to see a company-approved doctor for the initial evaluation.
- After the initial visit, you can request a different doctor through the Texas Department of Insurance – Division of Workers’ Compensation (TDI-DWC).
- If the company doctor is minimizing your injury or rushing your recovery, you should seek a second opinion.
If Your Employer Is a Texas Non-Subscriber
- You have more control over your medical care since non-subscriber employers do not follow state workers’ compensation laws.
- Your employer cannot force you to use their doctor exclusively for ongoing treatment.
- If your employer denies you the right to choose your doctor, you may have grounds for a legal claim.
🔹 Key Insight: Some Texas Non-Subscriber employers (such as Walmart, Home Depot, and H-E-B) require injured employees to see company-approved doctors initially. However, they cannot prevent you from seeking further treatment from a doctor of your choice.
Why You Should Choose Your Own Doctor
Choosing your own doctor ensures that your injury is properly diagnosed and treated without employer influence. Many company doctors work to protect the employer’s financial interests, which could mean:
- Downplaying the severity of your injury
- Recommending minimal treatment to avoid costly medical expenses
- Pressuring you to return to work before you’re fully healed
- Not properly documenting your injury, which can hurt your claim
If your employer is trying to control your medical care, it may be time to speak with a work injury attorney.
What If Your Employer Refuses to Pay for an Independent Doctor?
If your employer denies your request to see your own doctor, you still have options:
- Seek a second opinion – Even if your employer won’t pay, getting an independent medical evaluation can support your case.
- Document everything – Keep records of your symptoms, medical visits, and any restrictions given by the company doctor.
- Speak to a Texas Work Injury Lawyer – An attorney can help fight for your right to proper medical treatment.
🔹 Key Insight: If you are being pressured to return to work too soon, this may be a sign that your employer is not prioritizing your health—and you may have grounds for a legal claim.
Take Control of Your Medical Treatment – Protect Your Rights!
You should not have to settle for inadequate medical care after a workplace injury. If your employer is limiting your treatment options or denying your right to see your own doctor, you may need legal assistance.
At Sandoval Law Firm, PLLC, we fight for injured workers across Texas, ensuring they receive the medical treatment and compensation they deserve.
📞 Call (346) 347-7777 for a FREE consultation today! Don’t let your employer decide your future—get the medical care you need and deserve.