Can I Refuse Medical Treatment After a Work Injury?

Getting hurt on the job can be overwhelming—especially when you’re being told to undergo medical treatment you may not want or trust. Maybe you’re concerned about side effects, the doctor your employer sent you to, or you’re just not sure the injury is that serious. If you’ve been hurt on the job and have questions about your medical care or workers’ comp rights, this guide will help you understand your options—and what to do next.

Are You Allowed to Refuse Medical Treatment After a Workplace Injury?

Technically, yes—you can refuse treatment after a workplace injury. No one can force you to undergo a medical procedure. However, just because you have the right to say no doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences.

In South Carolina, refusing medical treatment may seriously affect your ability to collect workers’ compensation benefits. The insurance company could argue that your injury isn’t serious, or that you’re making it worse by not following medical advice. They may even deny your claim altogether. That’s why it’s vital to understand how your decision fits into the bigger legal picture.

The Link Between Medical Care and Workers’ Comp Benefits

When you’re injured on the job, medical care isn’t just important for your health—it’s a critical part of your workers’ compensation claim. In South Carolina, workers’ comp benefits are provided under the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Act (Title 42 of the South Carolina Code), which requires injured employees to follow medical treatment prescribed by an authorized physician.

Your medical records serve as the backbone of your claim. They document the extent of your injury, your recovery progress, and whether you’re physically able to return to work. If you delay, ignore, or outright refuse medical treatment, the insurance company may argue that you’re not as injured as you claim—or worse, that you’re intentionally avoiding recovery.

Can Refusing Medical Care Affect Your Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Yes—refusing treatment without proper steps can seriously impact your benefits. Here’s how:

• Your workers’ comp claim could be denied or suspended: Under South Carolina law, failure to follow prescribed treatment from an authorized doctor may be viewed as noncompliance, which gives the insurer grounds to cut off your benefits.
• You may lose wage replacement benefits: If the insurance company believes you’re prolonging your injury by refusing care, they may stop paying temporary total disability (TTD) benefits.
• It could be harder to get future treatments approved: Refusing treatment may make it more difficult to get approvals for additional care if your condition worsens later.
• Your credibility may suffer in a legal case: If your case goes before the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission, the defense could argue that you failed to do your part to get better—hurting your chances of success.

Simply put: refusing treatment without taking the right steps could cost you the workers compensation benefits you’re entitled to.

When Might It Be Reasonable to Refuse Treatment?

If you’re feeling unsure about medical treatment after a work injury, you’re not alone—and your hesitation may be completely valid. Here are some common reasons injured workers think twice:

You’re uncomfortable with the doctor your employer chose.

Workers’ comp doctors are often selected by the employer or insurance company. If you feel dismissed, rushed, or unheard, that’s a red flag.

The treatment seems too aggressive or invasive.

Being told to undergo surgery or long-term medication without exploring other options can feel overwhelming.

You want a second opinion.

This is completely reasonable—and sometimes essential—especially if you’re unsure about the diagnosis or recovery plan.

You have religious or personal objections.

If a treatment conflicts with your beliefs or values, you shouldn’t feel forced to proceed without alternatives.

While these are all legitimate concerns, how you handle them matters. Ignoring medical advice or skipping appointments without explanation can hurt your workers’ comp claim. Instead:

• Speak up early and clearly about your concerns.
• Request documentation from your doctor if you disagree.
• Consult a workers’ comp attorney to help you explore legal and medical options without putting your benefits at risk.
  

South Carolina workers’ compensation laws allow for flexibility—but only if you take the proper steps to protect yourself.

5 Steps to Take Before Refusing Medical Treatment

If you’re unsure about a recommended treatment plan, here’s what you should do first:

1. Understand why the treatment was recommended so you can make an informed choice about your care.
2. Get a second medical opinion if you’re unsure about the diagnosis or don’t trust the initial provider.
3. Review your workers’ compensation rights to understand how refusal may affect your claim.
4. Keep detailed records of your injury and all communications with your employer, doctor, and insurance adjuster.
5. Talk to a workers’ comp lawyer first to protect your legal rights and benefits before refusing care.

These steps show you’re acting reasonably—not recklessly—when it comes to your treatment decisions.

Why You Should Speak With a South Carolina Workers’ Comp Lawyer

The decision to refuse medical treatment after a work injury isn’t one to take lightly—a skilled workers’ compensation attorney can be your advocate throughout the process, helping you understand your rights and avoid costly mistakes. 

At Cummings & Lewis, our legal team helps injured workers take the right steps before refusing care, so they don’t lose out on critical benefits. Here’s how our Spartanburg workers compensation attorneys can help:

• Review your medical records and treatment plan to make sure the care you’re being advised to take actually fits your diagnosis and injury.
• Help you get a second opinion or switch doctors if you’re uncomfortable with the physician chosen by your employer’s insurance company.
• Communicate directly with the insurance carrier on your behalf to protect your legal rights and explain any treatment refusals properly.
• Appeal a denied workers’ comp claim if your refusal of care led to a benefits suspension or reduction.
• Advocate for your best interests during hearings or negotiations with the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission.

Find Workers’ Comp Attorneys in Spartanburg, SC

If you’re worried about how medical treatment—or your refusal of it—might affect your workers’ comp claim, don’t wait. Our experienced South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers are here to guide you through every step. At Cummings & Lewis, we fight for injured workers across Spartanburg and the surrounding areas. Whether you’re seeking a second opinion, appealing a denied claim, or unsure what to do next, we’re ready to help. Schedule your free consultation today and let us help you protect your health, your rights, and your future.