Lawmakers in Iowa are considering a bill that would give workers injured on the job more say in choosing a doctor to treat them.  Labor representatives praised the bill, while employers argued it would raise workers' compensation insurance premiums.

The proposed bill would allow employees to predesignate a physician to treat future workplace injuries.  If the employee did not choose to predesignate a doctor, the employer's doctor would be used in the event of an on-the-job injury.  Furthermore, the bill would make it illegal for an employer to influence an employee's choice of physician.

A total of 35 states have enacted similar legislation.  Employee organizations said employer-chosen doctors often recommend more conservative treatments, and tend to put employees back to work as quickly as possible, without consideration of employee wellbeing.

If you or someone you know needs legal assistance with a workers' compensation case, contact the Charleston workers' compensation attorneys of The Steinberg Law Firm at 843-720-2800.