A compassionate work injury attorney understands that when an employee is injured at work, it can devastate their finances. This can happen even if the worker qualifies for workers’ compensation, particularly if the worker depends on things like overtime and/or tips to help meet family financial obligation.
We know that situations like these could pressure an injured worker into returning to work sooner than they are physically ready to, which could make their injuries worse. Our experience of advocating for injured workers enables us to assist our clients in obtaining the benefits they deserve and allow them the opportunity to recover from their injuries.
Returning to Work
A work injury attorney realizes that it is not always easy to sit at home every day recovering, especially when you are a person who enjoys their work. There are many injured workers who could actually benefit emotionally returning to their job, but they need to be aware of not returning to full duty before they are physically ready.
If your doctor grants permission, then you may be able to return to work on a limited and light-duty schedule. In these circumstances, it is critical that not only you abide by the limitations your doctor has put on your return to work, but also important that your employer is aware.
Workers’ compensation law, employers are responsible for providing any accommodations that your doctor specifies, as well as the work schedule. For example, if you normally work an eight hour day but your doctor allows you to return to work no more than four hours per day, your employer cannot force you to work over that four hour limit.
Your employer must also allow you to attend any appointments for doctors’ visits, physical therapy, or any other medical treatment. This is true even when you return to work full-time. And if you are not paid for these times away from the job (i.e. you are paid by the hour and not salary), then this missed time is covered under your workers’ compensation claim. Your work injury attorney will likely advise you to keep track of these hours so you can be reimbursed.
Just as the law protects injured workers when they are home recovering, it also protects them when they return to work. Your employer cannot penalize you for filing a claim, needing special accommodations, or needing time away from the job for medical treatment. If your employer disciplines, demotes, or terminates you because of your work injury, contact your work injury attorney immediately. A high volume of these cases tend to occur at construction sites, in the event you are the victim of an injury contact the best construction accident lawyer Milwaukee WI legal advice and guidance.
Let a Work Injury Attorney Assist You
Although injured workers can file a workers’ compensation claim without the assistance of an attorney, it is important to be aware that doing so increases the risk that your claim will be denied.
Thank you to the attorneys at Hickey & Turim SC for providing insight on injury on the workplace and worker’s compensation.