It can be very hard to go weeks without working after you get hurt on the job. Sitting at home can feel frustrating, and your whole family may struggle to adjust to your decreased income. However, if the doctor who evaluates you for your workers’ compensation case determines that you are temporarily totally disabled because of your condition, you may have no choice but to stay home.
When your doctor finally agrees that you are healthy and strong enough to return to work, you may feel excitement and relief. Not only is staying home boring, but temporary disability benefits leave a significant gap in many workers’ budgets.
In order to return to work, you may need some help from your employer. How should your employer help you when it’s time to get back to your job after a workplace injury?
Employers should offer reasonable accommodations for injured workers
Perhaps you are still somewhat sore and not as strong as you once were, but you are finally able to carry weight on the injured body part again. Your doctor might limit how much weight you can lift, restrict the motions you make or recommend frequent breaks for stretching and exercises.
Once your doctor makes recommendations about how you can return to work, you can then go to your employer to request those accommodations. As long as those requests don’t create an undue hardship for your employer, the company should do what is necessary to get you back on the job.
What if you can’t do the same work anymore?
Sometimes, you are well enough to return to work but may not be able to do the same task anymore. Your employer might offer you reduced wages to go with different job responsibilities. In some cases, you may need to find a different job entirely.
Both temporary and permanent partial disability benefits can help cover any loss of income if you can’t do the same work because of a job injury. Knowing what benefits you need and negotiating for help that is necessary for you to get back on the job can be stressful, but will also be worthwhile you can again support yourself by working.
