Returning to work after receiving a lump sum settlement from a workers’ compensation claim is generally possible and often encouraged. Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to help injured or ill workers recover and return to work as soon as they are medically able to do so.
- Medical Clearance: Before returning to work after receiving workers’ compensation, it’s essential to obtain medical clearance from your healthcare provider. The doctor who provided medical treatment will evaluate the condition of injured workers and determine whether they are fit to resume their job duties after a workplace accident.
- Modified Duties: In some cases, your employer may offer modified or light-duty work after receiving workers’ compensation if your medical condition prevents you from performing your regular job tasks. This allows employees to return to work after workers’ compensation settlements, while accommodating any limitations or restrictions resulting from the workplace injury or illness.
- Communication: Maintain open communication with your employer throughout the workers’ comp claim process. Notify them of your intention to return to work and provide any required medical documentation.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: If your workers’ compensation injury or illness has left you with permanent limitations that prevent you from returning to your previous job, workers’ compensation may provide vocational rehabilitation services to help you find suitable alternative employment. A workers’ comp attorney may be able to help negotiate for one on your behalf.
- Receiving a Lump Sum Settlement: Receiving a lump sum settlement from workers’ compensation doesn’t necessarily mean you cannot return to work. Settlements are often negotiated to compensate you for your injury or illness, including medical expenses, lost wages, and any permanent impairments.
- Consult with a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer: If you are considering a lump sum settlement, it’s advisable to consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. They can help you understand the implications of the workers’ comp settlement, including how it may affect your ability to return to work and your ongoing medical needs.
- Reemployment Rights: Some states have laws that protect an injured worker’s reemployment rights after receiving workers’ compensation. In certain circumstances, employers may be required to rehire workers who have recovered from their injuries and are medically cleared to return to work.
- Retraining: If you are unable to return to your previous job due to the nature of your injury, workers’ compensation may provide funds for retraining in a new field or occupation.
It’s important to remember that the specifics of returning to work after a workers’ compensation claim can vary based on the laws and regulations in your state, the nature of your injury, and your employer’s policies. The workers’ compensation settlement attorneys at Lawyers for Justice, PC have over a decade of experience helping fight for California workers to get the workers’ compensation benefits they deserve. Call us at (844) 568-1702 for a free consultation.
My Employer Won’t Let Me Return To Work After Injury – FAQ
can you still get workers’ comp if you go back to work? If you have permission from a doctor to go back to work, you may still be able to receive your workers’ compensation benefits. The decision is dependent on the unique details of each case. A workers’ compensation law firm in California, like Lawyers for Justice, PC can help.
my employer won’t let me return to work after injury? If you are injured at work and your employer fires you or fails to rehire you, you may be eligible for an additional claim under the Workers’ Compensation Act. Call us at (844) 568-1702 for a free consultation so we can help.
will going back to work affect my claim? Each case is different and works with an insurance company to help settle cases. Contacting a workers’ compensation claim attorney can help.
how long does a workers’ comp case take to settle in California? It depends. An insurance company usually likes to settle within 30 days, but it all depends on the nature of the workers’ comp claim and severity of the injury.
