When you suffer a workplace injury, you may have a long road of recovery ahead of you.
Also, these injuries typically put a lot of pressure on workers.
Along with having to go to doctor’s appointments and dealing with reduced pay, your boss may be pushing you to come back to work.
At this point, many workers comply with the request or demand (in some situations), believing they may be fired. However, your employer does not have the right to force you to return to work after an injury until you are ready and cleared by your doctor.
At Hines Law, our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers can explain your rights when it comes to workers’ compensation claims and help you navigate the often-confusing waters.
We are your advocate in making sure you receive the compensation benefits you are entitled to and only return to work when you are ready.
Is It Required That Your Employer Keep Your Position Open During Your Recovery?
There’s no legal requirement that your employer must keep your position or job open while you are recovering from a work-related injury.
This makes sense because some positions would cause hardship to the company if they were not immediately filled.
In this situation, your employer can find someone to fill the role during your recovery process.
Unfortunately, this reality causes some injured workers to be concerned about whether they will lose their jobs after filing a workers’ compensation claim.
While your boss is not required to hold your job or position, Gainesville law protects you from any type of retaliatory discharge.
This means that your boss cannot fire you simply because you filed a workers’ compensation claim.
If you do lose your job because you filed a workers’ compensation claim, it may be possible to recover even more damages beyond the workers’ comp benefits you are entitled to.
The best way to determine whether this is possible is to call and receive legal advice from our experienced workers’ compensation lawyers.
Does Your Employer Have the Right to Request or Demand That You Return Too Soon?
The short answer is, no.
No employer can demand an injured worker come back to work.
You don’t have to go back to work until your workers’ compensation doctor clears you and you have sufficiently recovered from the injuries you sustained.
If you continue to feel pressure from your employer to return, or if they demand or threaten you, it’s best to get in touch with a workers’ compensation lawyer from our law firm right away.
We can help you understand your rights and help you protect them for the duration of your claim.
How Do You Determine When It Is Safe to Return to Work?
Your doctor is the one who will provide their medical opinion regarding whether or not you have any medical restrictions that would prevent you from returning to work after an on-the-job injury.
If your boss or you believe that you are ready to come back sooner, there are a few options to consider for a successful return.
For example, you may ask your medical professional to allow you to return to work with some restrictions on your regular duties.
For example, if you can’t stand for long periods of time or do any heavy lifting, you may be able to take on a desk job.
In some situations, you can be cleared to return to your regular work duties, but with the requirement that you work fewer hours than you did before your workplace accident.
Are There Risks if You Return to Work Too Soon?
Returning to work after a workplace injury can be a significant milestone in your recovery period, but doing so prematurely may have serious consequences.
Injured employees often feel a sense of duty or pressure to return quickly due to financial strain, job security concerns, or encouragement from their employer.
However, it’s crucial for a successful recovery not to resume job duties too quickly and to avoid exacerbating the injury and creating long-term health problems.
Risks of Returning Too Early
- Worsening Your Injury
- If the original injury has not healed, engaging in physical activities or repetitive tasks at work can aggravate the condition, leading to chronic pain or permanent damage.
- Delaying Recovery
- Returning to work prematurely may hinder the healing process, prolonging the recovery timeline and increasing the risk of requiring additional medical treatments.
- Increased Risk of a Secondary Injury
- An injured worker may compensate for the original injury by overusing other parts of the body, which can lead to secondary injuries like muscle strain, joint pain, or further damage to the affected area.
- Reduced Productivity
- Attempting to work before fully recovering can limit your ability to perform tasks effectively, potentially leading to frustration, mistakes, or even accidents in the workplace.
- Impact on Workers’ Compensation Claim
- Returning too early can send a signal to employers or insurers that your injury was less severe than reported. This could jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits, making it harder to receive necessary medical care or lost wages.
- Mental and Emotional Strain
- Returning before you’re ready can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and frustration, particularly if you struggle to meet job expectations or feel unsupported in the workplace.
How to Protect Yourself
Follow Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan
Always adhere to your healthcare provider’s recommendations regarding your medical progress and when it’s safe to return to work. Obtain a written release specifying any restrictions or accommodations needed.
Communicate with Your Employer
Inform your employer about your condition and work with them to create a return-to-work plan that prioritizes your health and medical improvement. This may include light-duty assignments, no heavy lifting, or reduced hours.
Understand Your Rights
Workers are entitled to sufficient recovery time and accommodations under workers’ compensation laws. Consult with a workers’ compensation attorney if you feel pressured to return too soon.
Document Your Recovery
Keep detailed records of medical visits, treatments, and any difficulties you experience at work. This documentation can support your case if issues arise with your claim.
How to Prepare to Go Back to Work After an On-the-Job Injury
While it’s necessary for your doctor to have legitimate reasons to clear you to return to work, there are some steps you can take to prepare for when this happens.
When you start talking about going back to work, be sure to consider several things.
These include:
- What job duties do you typically have so your doctor can determine if it is safe to resume them
- Restrictions about what you can and can’t do
- Your employer’s return-to-work policy
Once you get back to work, you should continue with your follow-up appointments with your doctor.
These are necessary until your physical condition is improved, you receive a final medical evaluation, and you are released from their care.
Contact Our Workers’ Compensation Lawyers for More Information
If you are injured on the job, it can have a huge impact on your life.
While this is true, there is no reason to allow your employer to demand that you return to work before you are released by your doctor or before you are fully healed.
If you are facing a situation like this, get in touch with our workers’ comp lawyers from Hines Law.
At our law firm, one of our expert workers’ comp injury attorneys will help with all aspects of the compensation process, ensuring you are able to receive the full compensation benefits that you deserve.
If you need help with your workers comp claim, click on the link below to schedule a free consultation today.