The workers compensation is insurance that employees need in case they get injured at work. It provides medical benefits as well as part of their wages. But a common question arises: can you work and receive workers’ comp benefits at the same time? It thus mainly depends on your health status, nature of the job, as well as the laws of your state.
The work restrictions may have been placed in accordance with the employer’s discretion to the degree of disability that is acknowledged by the ADA, but returning to work means coming back to work in the same manner as before.”
Often, employees receive the okay from their physicians to resume their job but only under conditions, including lifting limited, walking for n hours daily, etc. If your employer can agree with these restrictions, can you collect workers’ comp and still work? Yes, you can, and you may still be entitled to partial disability benefits. These benefits help to bridge the gap if your new position has a lower salary than the previous one due to the injury.
For example, if prior to an injury you were paid $1000 per week but after the injury your restricted employment pays $700 per week, workers compensation can allow a portion of the $300 wage differential to be paid.
Working a New Job
At other times, some injured employees are offered another position by their employers while on workers’ comp. This is allowed subject to the extent that this new role does not contravene the medical excusal and the process of recovery. But if you are carrying the workers’ compensation insurance, you must disclose all your earnings. Hiding income could also have backlash like you might lose your benefits, or you could be charged with fraud.
Are You Able To Hold a Job Whilst Receiving Total Disability Benefits?
Depending on the extent of severity of your injury, you may be receiving what is referred to as total disability benefits. In this case, engaging in work activity is usually prohibited unless that work activity equals or exceeds the income received through the aforementioned benefits. Trying to go against medical advice may not only put your health at risk but may also cause you to lose your benefits.
Issues Arising from Early Reemployment
To continue exercising, going back to work defeats your purpose and puts your health at risk and your workers’ compensation case. You should always take good care of yourself and follow your doctor’s advice well at all times. If your employer insists on you going back to work the number of days or weeks before you are well enough to go back, call a workers’ comp attorney.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
The laws governing workers compensation may differ a lot depending on place or region or country. It is not easy to understand various rules and how they can be followed where, for example, work and benefits are concerned. Most people do not know their rights or how to avoid pitfalls and get the most out of their workers’ compensation case; therefore, you should consult a workers’ comp attorney.
If you reside in North Carolina and need to understand whether you are allowed to work while collecting workers compensation, don’t hesitate to contact the representatives of the Stewart Law Offices to receive the detailed consultation individually for your case.
Do not forget that the workers compensation system is designed to help you with your recovery, being informed of your rights can do a great deal.