Workers' Compensation: Returning-to-Work After an Injury

Most people want to return to the workplace after a work-related injury. Returning to work allows you to earn more money and regain your job benefits. After a serious injury, recovering to the point where you can return to your job takes time. After a permanent partial disability, you may need accommodations or training to adapt to your new job.

Some employees can return to work part-time and still get some workers’ comp benefits. However, workers’ compensation laws differ in every state. To find out about returning to work after an injury, talk to a local workers’ compensation lawyer.

Preparing To Return to Work After an Injury

Workers’ compensation benefits provide support until an injured employee is able to return to work. Workers’ comp benefits include medical care to treat the injury and lost wage benefits. Some injured workers also use vocational rehab to help them return to employment as soon as possible.

Every return-to-work situation is different, depending on the type of injury, job duties, and recovery process. Return-to-work generally involves your doctor, employer, and workers’ comp administrator.

Follow your treating physician’s medical recommendations and wait until you get clearance to return to your job. If you go back to work too early or stop getting medical care, you can suffer re-injury or cause permanent damage. When your doctor says you can return to work, they should also provide clear guidance on any:

• Work restrictions while recovering
• Changes in work assignments and scheduling
• Changes in working conditions and supportive equipment

If your doctor says you can return to work without restrictions, you have to go back to your job. If you refuse to return to your previous job, your employer can stop paying disability benefits.

Changes in Workers’ Comp Benefits After Returning to Work

Your workers’ comp benefits generally end if you return to full-time employment. Workers’ compensation benefits are for when you can’t work. Once you can work again, benefits are no longer necessary. Your workers’ comp benefits end if you return to your previous employer or start with a new employer.

Some employees can return to part-time work or light duty while they’re still recovering. This can reduce your benefit amount. Talk to your workers’ comp representative to find out how your benefits will change if you return to work.

If you still need treatment for your medical condition, your medical benefits will continue after you return to work. However, your medical benefits only apply to your workplace injuries or occupational diseases.

Communicating With Your Employer About Light Duty or Reasonable Accommodations

Returning to work with light duty is a common workers’ compensation. Light duty generally means you haven’t fully recovered but can still do most of your job duties. For example, you can return to work to do administrative tasks but can’t do heavy lifting. This is part of a graduated return-to-work program.

With light duty or modified tasks, you can gradually return to your regular job. Your healthcare provider can work with you to make sure you can safely return to your job without aggravating your injuries.

Reasonable accommodations are for workers with disabilities. Under federal disability protection laws, disabled workers have the right to reasonable accommodations. For example, a worker with carpal tunnel syndrome should have access to ergonomic workstations.

It’s important to communicate your work abilities to your employer to make sure you don’t make your injuries worse. You can also work with a vocational rehabilitation counselor to communicate your needs to your employer.

The Role of Vocational Rehabilitation Programs

Vocational rehabilitation is an important benefit of workers’ compensation insurance. Vocational rehab involves support to help you return to work or find new work opportunities. Vocational rehab counselors can evaluate your skills and abilities to help you adapt to your job duties. If you can’t do the same job, vocational rehab can help with job hunting or training for new job duties.

Generally, workers’ comp will only provide vocational rehabilitation after you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point where your doctor doesn’t expect any further improvement, even with medical treatment. Contact your state workers’ compensation board to find out about getting vocational rehabilitation.

Legal Protections for Returning Employees

You have legal protections when you file a workers’ compensation claim. Unfortunately, some employers and insurance companies don’t respect your legal rights. The workers’ comp insurance company may deny your claim or say it isn’t work-related. They may try to deny your medical care, leaving you with permanent injuries.

A workers’ comp lawyer can represent you and defend your legal rights. Your lawyer can explain your legal options and make sure you get the disability benefits you deserve. Your lawyer can also negotiate with the insurance company to get a settlement to provide for your care. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney for legal advice on returning to work after an injury.