No one plans on being hurt on the job, but the reality is that it can happen to anyone. Workplace injuries are more common in specific lines of work but can happen anywhere, and that is why it is crucial that you understand your rights under worker’s compensation laws in your state.
The severity of sustained injuries will affect how the incident plays out, but most people still have several questions regarding the injury. Will I be entitled to worker’s comp benefits? When can I return to work? Will I have to pay for medical bills? Can I get a settlement from worker’s comp if I go back to work?
All of these questions are valid questions, and the answer for each of them will be dependent on your case or the severity of the incident.
All of these questions are valid questions, and the answer for each of them will be dependent on your case or the severity of the incident.
Although each state is in charge of its own worker’s compensation laws, the primary purpose of worker’s comp is to protect workers and businesses by covering injuries sustained on the job. Under worker’s comp, an injured worker can expect coverage for one or all of the following (depending on the injury):
- Missed wages
- Medical expenses and bills pertaining to the injury
- Vocational rehabilitation
- Death benefits, like funeral costs, if the injury led to death
If you sustain injuries on the job, the most critical thing that you should do is file a claim for your injury or illness. It is your right to file a claim, and in most cases, your employer can help you to do so after you have reported the injury. This also provides you and the employer with proper documentation.
After receiving medical attention, your physician will be the one who decides whether or not you can return to work. Although your employer may want you to return to work as soon as possible, it is critical to your health recovery,and claim to wait until your doctor gives you a release form to return.
Worker’s Comp Settlements
If, for whatever reason, you are unhappy with what the insurance wants to offer as reimbursement for lost wages, medical bills, etc., you can refuse the offer and consult with a worker’s compensation attorney.
A lawyer can help to determine a fair amount of compensation that covers all expenses from the injury. Expenses that insurance companies sometimes overlook can include future care, future doctor visits, potential future lost earnings, disability payments, legal fees, and more.
The settlement process can sometimes take longer than general claims, which can raise a new question from injured workers. Can I get a settlement from worker’s comp if I go back to work?
The short answer is yes; you can still receive your settlement if you go back to work. However, you should not plan your return until your doctor has medically cleared you to do so.
In addition to waiting for medical clearance, there are a few other things that you should consider before returning to work:
- Your relationship with your employer: there is no reason that your employer should be upset with you for being injured on the job. Furthermore, there is no reason your employer should be perturbed with you for not returning to work without medical clearance. Still, many workers find themselves in a situation where they feel their professional relationships have become tainted from the entire ordeal. If this is the case and you experience any hostility, pressure, or discrimination, you might want to consider seeking employment elsewhere.
- Advice from your attorney: talk to your attorney about returning to work. Chances are, your attorney has dealt with dozens of worker’s comp cases and they may have a better understanding of your situation and whether or not you should return to work, given the circumstances. Trust your attorney.
If you have sustained injuries in a workplace accident and feel like you deserve additional financial compensation for lost wages and medical bills, consider consulting with an attorney about a worker’s compensation settlement. Hurt Get Help has the network you need to find legal help…fast. Submit a claim, and we can connect you with a licensed and experienced workers comp attorney in your state.