If you were injured at work, your doctor will likely want you to take some time off while you recover. While that sounds great in theory, you may get bored after a while. This could tempt you to go back to work before you’re truly ready. Here are some of the dangers of going back to work too soon after an injury.
More Injuries
If you go back to work before your doctor says it’s okay, you’re at risk of suffering further injuries. For example, let’s say you injured your back at work. If you come back to work before your back is fully healed and start lifting objects again, you’re in danger of hurting your back even more. You could also get injured by changing your movements to compensate for an injury because you’re putting strain on another part of your body.
Medication Side Effects
Your doctor will likely prescribe you medication for your injury. For example, if you’re dealing with pain and discomfort from your injury, you will likely take prescription pain medication. While these medications can help you feel more comfortable, they come with side effects, such as drowsiness, nausea and poor motor skills. If you return to work while still taking these medications, you may not be able to do your tasks properly and also pose a danger to yourself and others.
Reduced Benefits
If you return to work before you’re healed, you also risk getting your benefits reduced. If you need to stop working again because you get reinjured, it could complicate your workers’ compensation situation and negatively affect your benefits.
Discouragement
Even if you don’t get reinjured when returning to work too soon, you might still not be able to do all of your tasks properly. For example, if your job involves a lot of lifting, you may find that you aren’t able to lift as much as you used to. This could lead to frustration and defeat. You may feel disappointed in yourself for not being able to do your tasks and lose your desire to go back to work every day.
Consulting With a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Getting injured at work can be a difficult thing to deal with. If your employer is pressuring you to come back to work before you’re ready, you should speak to an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer. He or she can discuss your case with you and advise you the best way to proceed.
Attorneys understand how frustrating it can be to get injured on the job. That’s why they want to help you get the compensation you deserve. Contact a workers compensation lawyer in Wytheville, VA for a consultation.
Thanks to The Law Offices of Mark T. Hurt for their insight into workers compensation and the problems with returning to work too early.