One of the common questions that people have if they are receiving workers’ compensation is how they can return to work after an injury. You and your doctor will determine when it is time for you to go back to your job and, if so, what restrictions should be in place to support healing and limit re-injuries. You may start working again on a light-duty basis first before you return to your full job. In some cases, you may have to make a long-term switch because of permanent impairments.
The experienced Columbia workers’ compensation lawyers at Williams & Roche, LLC can assist you with coordinating a return-to-work plan that is fitting for you and does not unduly interfere with your workers’ compensation benefits. We can also help you fight back against pressure from your employer to start performing jobs again before your doctor clears you.
Understanding Light Duty vs. Full-Duty Return
When you start working again, your treating physician may ask you to do so on a restricted or light-duty basis. For example, they may limit how many pounds you lift, how long you are on your feet, and the types of activities, such as lifting, climbing, or hammering, you do on the job.
Your employer may also offer you a different position if they cannot give you your old one while you have restrictions.
Once you are fully healed or reach maximum medical improvement (meaning your doctor does not expect your injury to heal past its current level), you may be able to return to your full job.
That said, if you have a long-term disability because of your work injury, your doctor may recommend that you change to a different position to avoid further damage to your body.
How Your Doctor Determines Your Fitness to Return to Work
You and your doctor will collaborate to come up with the appropriate plan for you to return to work after a workers’ comp injury. Your doctor may perform tests to check your mobility levels, strength, dexterity, endurance, and coordination. They may also examine the injury itself to measure its progress over time, and they will talk to you about your healing process and comfort levels. After they complete their assessment, they may develop a plan for you to go back to work so you do not harm your body and set yourself back.
Can You Refuse To Go Back if You Are Not Ready?
After being away because of a work accident, it is common to feel hesitant about returning to work after an injury. You may worry about hurting yourself again by pushing yourself further than you mean to at your job. Or you may feel like you are being pressured to start work again before you are ready.
If your doctor clears you to return to your employment and you refuse, it can impact your ability to receive benefits. If your doctor is correct that you are healed enough to start working again, you may lose your compensation benefits if you do not follow these instructions.
However, if your employer is pressuring you or trying to coerce you to work before your doctor clears you, you may not have to comply. Talking to an attorney about your rights and concerns before you decide what to do in these situations can be very helpful.
What Impact Does Returning to Work Have on Your Benefits?
Under South Carolina law, returning to work on a limited or unrestricted basis may impact how much you receive in benefits. Your benefits may be offset by the additional income you are receiving from light-duty work. Your benefits may terminate after you are back at work for a certain amount of time. You can consult a lawyer to learn how your return to work plan may impact your compensation award.
Contact Williams & Roche, LLC, To Talk to a Columbia Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
If you are developing a plan to return to work after an injury, it is important to understand your rights and the risks. You may be allowed to go back to work with limitations, such as a restriction on how many pounds you can lift, then gradually transition to your unrestricted job duties. Your workers’ compensation payments may be reduced when you return to work and end completely after you are at your job for a specific period.
Williams & Roche, LLC, can guide and support you by asserting your legal rights while you take steps to return to work. We understand the legal and physical challenges you might encounter as you restart your job. Our team can assist you by making sure your rights and health are protected during this time, and you do not lose out on benefits you are entitled to. If you have questions about the process of returning to work after a job injury, reach out to us by calling 803.784.0503 and scheduling a no-obligation consultation.
