If you’ve been injured at work in Colorado Springs, dealing with lost wages, medical treatments, and the workers’ comp process is tough enough. Adding a workers’ compensation nurse case manager into the mix can make things even more complicated—and not necessarily in your favor.
Here’s why you should think twice before engaging with a workers’ compensation nurse case manager assigned by the insurance company.
What Does a Nurse Case Manager Do?
In Colorado, insurance companies may assign nurse case managers to “assist” with coordinating medical care. But they work for the insurer, not you. Their goal? Reduce costs for the insurance company. This often means pushing for quicker recoveries or cheaper treatment options that could harm your long-term health.
Not Every Workers’ Compensation Case Has a Nurse Case Manager
Nurse case managers are not assigned in every workers’ compensation case. They are more likely to be assigned in cases where the injury is complex or involves long-term treatment, such as surgeries or extended rehabilitation. If your case involves a quicker recovery, it’s less likely that a nurse case manager will be involved.
Why You Should Refuse a Nurse Case Manager
- Conflict of Interest: Their loyalty lies with the insurance company, not your recovery. They may pressure doctors to minimize your treatment, rush your return to work, or recommend cheaper, less effective care.
- Influence on Medical Decisions: While they don’t make final decisions, they can influence your doctor to choose treatment plans that benefit the insurer, not you.
- Privacy Concerns: Letting them attend medical appointments gives them inside knowledge that may be used against you. You have the right to refuse.
Your Attorney Can Help You Refuse the Nurse Case Manager
If the insurance company assigns a nurse case manager to your case, you should consult with a workman’s comp lawyer in Colorado Springs immediately. A lawyer can help you formally refuse the nurse case manager’s involvement and protect your rights throughout your claim. Your attorney can make it clear to the insurance company that you do not want the nurse case manager influencing your treatment, attending your appointments, or handling communications about your care. You have the right to limit the nurse case manager’s role in your case, and your attorney can ensure that the insurance company respects this decision. You should not feel pressured to accept the nurse case manager’s involvement.
Alternatives to Involving a Nurse Case Manager
Instead of engaging with a nurse case manager at all, your best option is to refuse their services and work directly with your medical providers. You do not need a nurse case manager to manage communication between you, your doctor, and the insurance company. By refusing the nurse case manager’s involvement, you can avoid any potential influence on your treatment or medical decisions. If you’re represented by workman’s comp lawyers, they can ensure that the insurance company respects your decision and that your rights are fully protected throughout your workers’ compensation claim.
Will Refusing a Nurse Case Manager Affect Your Benefits?
No. Refusing a nurse case manager won’t impact your workers’ comp benefits. Your payout is based on your medical condition, not whether you accept the case manager’s services. If you’re feeling pressured, speak with a workers’ comp lawyer immediately.
Your Attorney Can Help
If an insurance company assigns a nurse case manager, a lawyer can help you refuse their involvement and protect your rights. Your attorney will ensure the insurance company respects your choice, so you can focus on your recovery.
Get Legal Support Today
Managing a workers’ compensation claim can be overwhelming, especially when you’re dealing with a complex system and the potential involvement of a nurse case manager. At Heuser & Heuser, LLP, our experienced team is here to guide you through every step. With over 35 years of helping Colorado Springs workers, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re committed to advocating for your rights.
At Heuser & Heuser, our military family values run deep. Founded by brothers Gordon & Barkley Heuser and deeply rooted in the community, we are committed to the principles of honesty, integrity, and justice.
Attorney Brennan Heuser, a combat veteran, brings a perspective to the table that helps us better serve our military community. We understand the unique challenges veterans face, from VA disability ratings to PTSD, and we approach every workers’ compensation case with the same care and precision. Whether you’re a veteran or a civilian, we are here to help you secure the treatment and benefits you deserve.
With strong ties to the community and a military background, we take pride in partnering with injured workers to help them navigate a complex legal system. Whether you’re struggling with medical bills, unsure of your next steps, or need help dealing with the insurance company, our team is ready to stand by your side.
If you’ve been searching online for “workers’ comp attorneys near me,” contact us instead. Getting started is simple. Just call us at (719) 520-9909 for a free, no-pressure consultation. If more convenient, you can fill out our confidential online form. We’ll stand by your side and help you navigate your claim to get the treatment and benefits you may be entitled to.
For professional advice or help with your claim, contact Heuser & Heuser, LLP at (719) 520-9909.
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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.
Heuser & Heuser, LLP
625 North Cascade Ave, Suite 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 520-9909
https://heuserlaw.com/
