Getting hurt on the job can flip your world upside down. You may not be able to return to work right away. You might be worried about income, job security, and whether your injuries will change your ability to work in the long term.
This is where workers’ compensation steps in. The system is designed to help injured workers cover medical bills and partially replace lost wages. But it also plays a key role in determining when and how you return to work—and whether you can go back at all.
Let’s walk through what to expect and what to know about workers’ compensation and returning to work.
Immediate Impact on Your Work Status
Your doctor will assess your ability to work after you report your injury and start medical treatment. In Maryland, as in many other states, the doctor authorized by your employer’s insurance will determine if you can:
- Return to work with no restrictions
- Return to work with light-duty restrictions
- Stay out of work completely during recovery
If your doctor says you can’t work at all, you may qualify for temporary total disability (TTD) benefits. These benefits provide a portion of your regular wages—usually two-thirds of your average weekly earnings, up to a set maximum.
Returning to Work on Light Duty
Sometimes your doctor will clear you for “light duty” work. That means returning to a job that fits within your physical limitations. It may involve reduced hours, lighter tasks, or modified equipment.
If your employer can provide suitable light-duty work, you’re expected to accept it. Refusing to return could affect your benefits. But if the employer doesn’t have an appropriate position, you may continue receiving compensation while recovering.
If you return to work but earn less than you did before your injury, you might be eligible for temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits to help cover the gap.
What If You Can’t Return to Your Old Job?
Not all injuries heal fully. You might not have the ability to work
In some cases, a worker is left with a permanent partial disability (PPD). That could mean a limited range of motion, chronic pain, or reduced strength in a limb. If your injury keeps you from performing your previous job, but you can still work in some capacity, you may qualify for PPD benefits.
In more severe cases—such as spinal injuries, head trauma, or loss of limbs—you may be eligible for permanent total disability (PTD). That status means you’re unlikely to work again in any meaningful way. The law provides long-term compensation in those situations.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Maryland’s workers’ compensation law includes a program called vocational rehabilitation. If your injury prevents you from returning to your old job, this program can help you learn new skills and transition into a different line of work.
It may cover:
- Career counseling
- Job training
- Resume and interview coaching
- Job placement assistance
If you’re a candidate for this program, it can be a lifeline, helping you stay employed even if your injury forced a career change.
Keep Medical Records and Stay in Touch
Throughout your recovery, it’s important to:
- Follow your doctor’s orders
- Attend all appointments
- Keep track of your symptoms and progress
- Maintain communication with your employer and the insurance company
Any gaps in treatment or missed updates can delay your return to work or affect your benefits.
When to Get Legal Advice
Workers’ compensation laws are complex, and insurance companies don’t always make things easy. If you feel pressured to return to work too soon, or if your benefits are denied or reduced, it may be time to speak with a lawyer.
An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can help you understand your rights, challenge unfair decisions, and make sure you get the support you need.
Workers’ compensation is more than just a check—it’s a process that helps injured employees return to work safely and fairly. Whether your recovery is quick or long-term, the goal is to protect both your health and your ability to earn a living.
If you’re navigating a work injury and unsure about your next steps, contact Shugarman & Mehring for a consultation. We’re here to help you protect your rights and plan for the future.
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