When Can I Return to Work After Filing for Workers' Comp?

When people file for workers’ compensation, they might be nervous about returning to their employer. However, it will benefit both you and your company to go back to your job as smoothly as possible. Your business won’t be shorthanded, and you won’t be stuck at home with little to do. Here are a few things to establish before deciding to get back to work.

Talk to Your Doctor

Before returning to your job, it’s essential to speak to your doctor first. He or she should be aware of what your employment duties are so your doctor can inform you of any restrictions on what you can or can’t do when you go back to work. For example, if part of your job involves heavy lifting, your doctor may advise you to do every aspect of your job but heavy lifting in order to avoid exacerbating your injury. Your doctor will then give you a written note describing these restrictions, which you can make a copy of and give to your employer.

Talk to the Insurance Company

If your doctor says it’s okay for you to return to work, you should contact the workers’ compensation insurance carrier. They need to send you a form called the Notice of Ability to Return to Work with the doctor’s release before they can offer you a return to work. If you receive a return to work offer before you receive this notice, you should contact a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.

Talk to Your Employer

Workers’ compensation law doesn’t usually obligate your company to retain your job while you are on medical leave; however, in most cases, companies are quite accepting of the employee returning to work. You should keep in touch with your employer during your recovery time so you understand what your position might be by the time you are well enough to return to work.

If you need assistance with applying to workers’ comp or dealing with your return to work, don’t hesitate to give us a call. Our skilled Santa Ana workers’ comp attorneys can offer you hands-on experience with a qualified lawyer. Ufkes & Bright has more than 50 years of combined legal experience to offer your case, and we take pride in being able to dedicate our time and attention to each client fully. Let us see what we can do for you.

Contact us at (714) 500-8661 or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation today.

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