What To Do When You Are Unable to Work Due to Injury
A shocking 12,900 American workers are injured at work every single day. That’s equal to one work-related injury every seven seconds.
Whether you were hurt on or off the job, if you’re unable to work due to injury, you’re likely facing an uphill battle.
Medical bills are mounting, and you’re stressed over how to make ends meet.
Take a deep breath and keep reading.
Here we’ll explain exactly what to do if you’re unable to work due to injury and offer advice on getting through this difficult time.
Determine the Extent of Your Injuries
The first thing you need to do following a serious injury that prevents you from returning to work is to evaluate the extent of your injury and limitations.
In some cases, an injury is so severe that the employee can no longer perform the same job. Some companies will offer you a different position at the same place of employment.
For example, a delivery driver who can no longer drive might be offered a desk job scheduling deliveries for the same company.
You may also be permitted to perform light-duty jobs until your injury heals and you can return to your normal tasks.
Get the Resources You Deserve
If the new position you’re offered at work requires additional training or certifications, worker’s compensation should cover these costs.
These are known as reemployment services and include education, counseling, skills training, and even job placement. Not all companies offer these services.
If yours doesn’t, you can utilize the services of the Division of Workers’ Compensation and Employee Assistance.
This means that while you’re recovering from your injury, you can receive the training and help needed to find a new, more suitable job.
Find Out if You’re Eligible for Disability
Some injuries are so severe that you may never return to work. In this case, you may be eligible for permanent disability.
You first need to prove your injury occurred on the job and have this confirmed by a doctor. You may be eligible for several types of disability including temporary total disability or temporary partial disability.
Keep in mind that both these benefit packages only pay out a percentage of your income. Depending on the extent of your injury, you may be eligible for long term disability which could last from 10 to 15 years.
Once a medical doctor confirms you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, they will determine the extent of the damage. Maximum medical improvement is when recovery is over and your injury is a healed as it will ever be.
If you still experience pain, limitations, or impairments that stop you from returning to work, you can apply for long term disability.
Long term disability insurance lawyers will help determine what type of settlement you’re entitled to.
Hire an Attorney if You’re Unable to Work Due to Injury
Chances are, your employer and the workers compensation insurance company aren’t going to go down without a fight. While they might sympathize with your injury, they still have their best interest in mind.
If you’re unable to work due to injury and are eligible for disability or assistance, you want an experienced attorney on your side. A lawyer will fight for the benefits you’re entitled to and help you return to a normal way of life.
