The simplest answer to this question is “it depends.” Factors including the severity of your injury and your doctor’s recommendations play a role. If your injury is severe, you may not be able to work at all while you recover.
However, if your injury is less severe, you may be able to return to work with some restrictions.
If your doctor recommends that you return to work, your employer must make accommodations for your restrictions.
For example, if you are unable to lift heavy objects, your employer may need to provide lighter duty or modify your job duties. If you have any questions about returning to work, be sure to talk to your doctor and your employer.
In some cases, you may be able to receive workers’ compensation benefits and continue working. However, you will likely need to reduce your hours or earnings. For more information about this option, talk to your workers’ compensation lawyer.
Some people choose to move to a new job after filing a workers’ compensation claim. They might realize they don’t want to put their health at risk any more in a dangerous job or they just think it will be easier to work for a new employee. They might want a fresh start or they may no longer be able to perform their duties in a given field any longer.
What happens to your workers’ compensation if you switch jobs?
Most of the time, as long as the new work you’re doing doesn’t disprove your claim, you should be able to continue to collect certain benefits even if you are working for a new employer. In many cases, switching jobs does not impact your workers’ compensation benefits.
However, if you move to a new employer and the work you are doing is strenuous and is work you refused to do with your previous employer, it calls into question whether or not your injury warrants a workers’ comp claim.
Keep in mind, you never want to assume there won’t be a problem with switching jobs when you’re in the midst of a workers’ comp claim. If you are considering switching jobs after filing a claim, the best thing you can do is contact an attorney. They’ll help you determine what impact, if any, the new job would have on your benefits.
Every workers’ compensation claim case is different. This is why it’s so important to consult with an experienced workers’ comp attorney if you are struggling to get the benefits or you are confused about what you can and cannot do after filing a claim.
If you’d like to speak to someone about filing a workers’ compensation claim or you believe your circumstances are out-of-the-ordinary, we can help. Contact ShugarmanMehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.
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