Workers compensation benefits may be tied to your job. It is quite normal for employees to consider looking for a new job or change their career after enduring a work-related injury. They are eager to find their new job in a lower-risk industry. Maybe they want something safer, less physically demanding. or they just need to learn new skills or experience different challenges especially if their injury prevents them from being able to do the same type of work as before.
Workers’ compensation in Wilmington, NC is meant to reimburse you for your lost wages because of the injury, as well as any related medical expenditures, but it’s not intended to keep you from working altogether. You have a right to switch your job even when you are receiving compensation benefits. But in some cases, it is much easier to stay with your employer to keep getting the disability benefits.
The answer to this complex question of whether you can start a new job while receiving compensation benefits is determined on a case-by-case basis. That’s why you need assistance from an experienced attorney to guide you regarding the issue.
How a New Job Could Affect Your Benefits
You would be able to gain your worker compensation benefits from the current job even if you decide to quit and change your career. The employer is supposed to pay your compensation benefits to continue until the assigned or company’s pre-approved doctor states you don’t need further medical attention.
The insurance company might also require you to see a doctor a minimum number of times per year to continue receiving benefits.
You should be able to receive your workers’ compensation benefits from your current job even when you quit. Until the assigned doctor states that you do not need medical care, your employers should continue to pay your medical benefits.
If your new job is in a different state, you would still receive your compensation benefits. But the laws in the state where you were injured will still apply to the compensation policy, regardless of where you live or work.
But it would be to your advantage to work at the same company until your case is resolved and your employer pays the full financial settlement. A professional attorney can discuss the right option with you and answer any queries you may have.
Working While Receiving Workers Compensation Benefits
There are several reasons why many workers might want to return to work and, the work comp benefits also shouldn’t keep them from working. Some of the chief reasons to continue your work at the same company include:
- To remain active and healthy
- To keep your career moving onward
- To keep earning for your family
- Prevent anxiety caused by sitting at home all day long
You should keep in mind that your new job might not pay similar to what you were earning for your work where you were injured. But still, you can obtain payment for the difference in wages. You can also continue to receive medical benefits for all healthcare and medical costs related to your injury.
Workers’ compensation laws can be confusing for an inexperienced person and, you may end up losing your benefits. You may have a pending case denied because you weren’t aware of all the dos and don’ts.
By working with an attorney from our office, you’ll have all the answers, so you can rest assured that you won’t be jeopardizing your workers’ compensation claim or benefits.
Dangers of Quitting your Job While Receiving Workers Compensation Benefits
The dangers of leaving a job while you have a pending workers compensation case are:
If your injury worsens after working in a new company, the first employer can argue that the problem is from the new job.
Many defendants also pay extra money in a settlement which includes the injured employer resigning from their employment. By leaving a job voluntarily after any injury, you might give up this element of recovering your money.
Your injury may cause you to miss work on your second job as well. Also, the first employer will get a stronger argument for not paying workers’ compensation benefits.
Speak To NC Workers Compensation Lawyers
You can switch your job during a pending workers’ compensation claim, but there are some aspects you should be fully aware of before doing so. It is best to acquire competent assistance from professional and qualified lawyers from NC Workers Compensation Lawyers.
Our team of well-experienced attorneys can help you make the right decision.
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