Returning to the Workplace After an Injury can be difficult. The Hostilo Law Firm knows the longer people are away from their place of employment, the more difficult it is for them to return to their responsibilities.
Even when your doctor says you've achieved a satisfactory degree of medical progress, you still cannot be ready to come back to your former full-time work. Because satisfactory is not perfect.
If your doctor says you should work, whether you're ready or not, you'll have to turn up or risk potentially losing your workers' benefits package. Your boss may have a fantastic return-to-work program in place to assist you in resuming your career, or they might have to figure it out on the go. In any case, you need to know how to protect your interests.
This is a difficult question to answer since it is all dependent on the person and the extent of the injury. Returning to function on the other hand, is an integral aspect of the healing process. By coming back to work the injured person will feel like they're getting back on track and returning to their normal routine. It also removes the financial burdens that come with prolonged absence from work.
It is important that injured employees come back to work as soon as they can. However, they should not be compelled or coerced to return before they are able. Some employees are taken off the job until they've achieved Maximum Medical Improvement (MMI), this means they've recovered as well as they can from their work injury.
It's also worth noting that just because you're back at work doesn't mean you're fully healed. This is why it's critical to approach their return to work with compassion and cooperation.
Your workers’ compensation disability classification comes from your attending physician's assessment. This determines your ability and how soon you can return to work. If you need a second opinion on your employment and disability status, your insurance provider can submit you for an Independent Medical Exam (IME).
Pay very close attention to your doctor's instructions. After each medical visit, carefully read any paperwork you are given, especially if your doctor is a member of the workers' compensation insurance company's network. Even if your doctor didn't tell you, the paperwork might show that you've been cleared to return to work.
You must urgently inform your employer when you are cleared to return to work in any capacity. Most importantly, you must return to work on your release date. Even though it's the day after your last medical appointment.
Make copies of your job restrictions for your boss and workers' compensation attorney. When you return to work, it's not a bad idea to bring an extra copy with you. Although it's natural to want to push yourself when you enjoy your job, don't work longer hours or do something than what's specified in your work restrictions.
In cases where your boss is less than welcoming, the same rule applies. You risk losing your insurance and any possible workers' compensation injury payout if you leave your job or decline an assignment that is beyond your work restrictions.
A back-to-work policy is designed to give you time to get back to work and finally become completely productive in your previous role. If you're partially disabled as a result of your on-the-job injury, it's extremely critical to create a work schedule with your employer as soon as possible. You want to show your boss that you can still be a good employee without being a financial liability.
1. Confirmation that your boss is aware of the existence and scope of your injuries, as well as your current physical limitations.
2. A plan that includes adequate arrangements to allow you to return to work comfortably and without excessive pain or discomfort.
3 Open lines of contact between you, your boss, and your treating physician to get you back to work as quickly and safely as possible.
4. Your employer and the workers' compensation representative may collaborate closely. They will assist you in finding a role that will allow you to perform your regulated duty and decide whether it is temporary or permanent.
5. If your treating physician clears you to return to work with restrictions that put you in a lower-paying job, workers' compensation can pay you a portion of the difference in your pay. If you refuse to accept the restrictive job duties or new role, you will not be eligible for this benefit.
6. Once your doctor has cleared you to return to work, contact the workers' compensation representative. You will have to refund the insurance provider for overpayments if you continue to accept workers' compensation benefits after being cleared.
The most important thing is that you have a successful working relationship with your manager or supervisors. They can only do what they can to help you, if when you return to work, they know the exact state of your health. They won't be expecting you to return like Superman, all ready to go! You must feel comfortable speaking freely with them about any physical or psychological issues you might be having.
When it comes to healing from an accident or injury, there is no time limit. Medication and continuing outpatient care will reduce stamina and cause mood swings, and your employer should be informed of this so that you can get back to full health as soon as possible.
It will take some time before you feel confident in your ability to perform your job as well as you once did. In certain cases, a disability can stop you from doing the same job as before, but if you're open to it, a good employer will always try to find a position that you can succeed at and suits you personally.
Trust our workers’ compensation attorneys to provide experienced legal representation each step of the way. If you’ve suffered a workplace accident, our workers’ comp attorneys are here to help – so contact Mike Hostilo Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation!
You can find us serving on the job injury victims in the following areas:
(Park of Commerce) Savannah, GA
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