Returning To Work After Suffering A Work-Related Injury
If you suffered a work-related injury, it is understandable if you cannot wait to get back to work. Workers’ compensation benefits help cover medical and financial costs, but workers’ compensation typically only covers around two-thirds of what an employee makes. With that said, if you are contemplating returning to work after suffering a work-related injury, you must handle the situation carefully. Read on to learn more about returning to work after suffering a work-related injury.
Do Not Return to Work Before You Are Ready
After suffering a work-related injury, you need to avoid returning to work before you are ready. Generally, if the doctor has told you that you are NOT ready to return to work, you should not return to work. If the doctor has told you that you are ABLE to return to work on LIGHT DUTY, you should only return to work if you are given LIGHT DUTY. If you return to work before you are ready, you may not do your job well. You may also end up getting re-injured or worsening your injury.
Note: Sometimes, the company’s doctor and a worker’s personal doctor may disagree on whether the worker is ready to return to work. In such a case, it is best for the worker to reach out to a workers’ compensation attorney.
You Can Request for Accommodations After a Work-related Injury
If the doctor agrees that you are ready to return to work, you should know that you can request reasonable accommodations at work. However, whether you can get accommodations after a Florida injury at work depends on several things, such as the type of work you do and the size of the company you work for.
With the right accommodations, you can be able to stay at work and alleviate the impact of your injury. For example, if your employer can provide you with equipment to reduce the strain caused by your job, you may be able to work comfortably after suffering a work-related injury.
Suppose accommodation is not possible and there are no light-duty options. In such a case, it may be best for you to take a leave of absence and wait until you have fully recovered to return to work. In such a situation, temporary disability benefits will help you. Consult with workers’ compensation attorney if you have any questions.
Why You May Want To Wait to Return to Work After Suffering a Work-Related Injury
While your financial situation may make it look like you have to go back to work while recovering from a work-related injury, there are several reasons why waiting to return to work may be a good idea. As already hinted, if you go back to work too soon, you may make your injuries worse or get re-injured. Apart from that, returning to work willingly or too soon may hurt your workers’ compensation claim. If you return to work willingly or too soon, your employer’s insurer may claim you were not injured or that your injuries were not as bad as you initially claimed. If this happens, it might cause problems for your workers’ compensation claim.
Contact a Key West & Marathon Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you suffered a work-related injury and are considering returning to work while recovering, it is vital that you speak to an attorney. Our Key West & Marathon workers’ compensation lawyers at Florida Keys Injury can advise you accordingly. We can also assist you with your Florida workers’ compensation claim. Call 786-605-8500 today to schedule a consultation.
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