If you’ve just been injured at work and are now on workers’ compensation benefits, you might be wondering how soon is “too soon” before you go back to work. The answer isn’t simple, because everyone’s case is different depending on their workplace, their injuries, and their health.
There are risks associated with going back to work too soon after a workplace injury. If you go back to work before your doctor gives you the okay – or if you don’t follow what your doctor recommends as part of your recovery – then you could face additional challenges. KCNS Law Group can help you with any questions you may have about workplace injuries and workers’ compensation. Here is what to know about the risks of going back to work too soon after a workplace injury:
The decision of when to return to work after a work injury is one that is typically made by the injured worker in consultation with their treating physician. The aim is to return to work as soon as possible while still ensuring that the worker is able to perform their job duties without exacerbating their injury. For some workers, this may mean returning to work on modified duty or with reduced hours. Once the worker has reached maximum medical improvement, they will likely be able to return to their pre-injury job duties.
If you are healthy enough to return to work, your employer can require you to do so. If you are not yet healthy enough to return, your employer may place you on unpaid leave until you are able to come back. If your job is no longer open when you are healthy enough to return, you may be entitled to lost wages and other compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation lawyers can help you understand your rights and options if your employer tries to fire or lay you off after an injury.
There’s no easy answer to the question of when you should go back to work after an injury. Every case is different, and it’s important to consult with compensation lawyers to get personalized advice. Generally speaking, you should return to your job duties when your doctor clears you for work and you are physically able to perform those duties. Your employer may also have a say in when you come back, and you may not be able to return until they are able to accommodate your restrictions. You may be entitled to collect workers’ compensation benefits during this time.
There are a few things to consider before making a decision about returning to work. First, what is your doctor’s reasoning for saying you’re ready to return to work? If your doctor feels that it’s in your best interests to return to work, then it’s probably a good idea to do so.
However, there are other factors to consider as well. For example, how will returning to work affect your health? If you’re not ready or you think that returning to work will cause undue stress, then it might be best to wait a bit longer.
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to return to work when your doctor says you can is up to you. Consider all the factors involved and make the decision that’s best for you and your health. Just remember that you may not be entitled to workers’ compensation after you have been medically cleared to go back to work.
While going back to work may seem like a good idea, it may not be if you still need time to recover. Make the best decision for your needs regardless of what other influences there are. You need to look out for your interests to make sure that you heal and can work without hurting yourself again.
If your boss is trying to force you back to work too quickly, you can take legal action by partnering with KCNS Law Group to protect yourself. Contact us online or call us at (818) 937-9255 for help dealing with your case.
Our client-based approach is concentrated on our commitment to providing individual and strategic representation tailored to our client’s specific needs.