Returning to Work After a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Worker's Compensation Attorney in Baltimore, MD

Workers’ compensation is an invaluable benefit for injured employees who need medical treatment and time off from work. In most cases, employees are able to return to work once they are sufficiently recovered. The doctor who is handling your workers’ compensation injury in Baltimore will let you know when you are cleared to return to work and whether you will need any workplace modifications. If you have any concerns about returning to work, you can consult your workers’ compensation attorney .

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Making Notifications

Ask your workers’ compensation lawyer about whether you are legally required to make any notifications about your change in work status. You or your attorney may need to notify your employer’s workers’ comp insurance carrier and the Workers’ Compensation Board.

Receiving Wage Loss Benefits

It is possible for an injured employee to return to work before he or she is completely recovered. If this applies to you, then the doctor who handles your injury case will let you know if you must work shortened hours, avoid certain activities, or make any other adjustments to your work situation. Because of these modifications, you may be earning a reduced wage than you were before the injury occurred. If so, you may be entitled to continue to receive some workers’ comp benefits. Continuing benefits after returning to work is known as receiving wage loss benefits or reduced earning benefits.

Continuing with Medical Treatment

Some workplace injuries require long-lasting medical care. If you must continue with physical therapy or take medications, or if you require any other type of medical care because of a workplace injury, then you will still receive medical benefits. Medical treatments that stem from covered injuries are paid for entirely by the workers’ comp insurance carrier. You can also request reimbursement for travel expenses to and from medical appointments. Additionally, if you must miss some time from work to go to medical appointments, you may be eligible for benefits for “intermittent lost time.”

Reopening Your Case

There can sometimes be discrepancies between what a doctor says you are capable of and what you’re actually capable of. If, after returning to work, you find you cannot fulfill the demands of your workplace, you should consult your attorney promptly. It may be possible to request changes to your job, ask for a short-term position, or extend your period of disability and collect full benefits again.