Factors To Consider Before Going Back To Work After Receiving Workers’ Compensation Benefits In Maryland
While we all enjoy taking some time, most of us enjoy being productive and busy in our jobs. Unfortunately, when job-related injuries happen, it can leave you unable to work for long months afterward. Workers’ compensation benefits in Maryland provide a lifeline in this situation, ensuring you get the medical care you need while reimbursing you for lost wages. If you have been receiving workers’ compensation benefits and are considering going back to work, our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney shares five factors you need to consider first.
Questions To Consider Before Returning To Your Job After A Work-Related Injury
The Maryland Department of Labor reports that roughly 50,000 workers are injured on the job each year. Workers’ compensation benefits help to cover medical costs and supplement lost wages in these cases. Unfortunately, filing a Maryland workers’ compensation claim can be a time-consuming process, but once your benefits are approved, you will receive payments on a regular basis.
At some point in your recovery, you may begin thinking it is time to return to work. Sitting home for weeks or months at a time can be boring and can end up taking a toll on your mental health, particularly your self-esteem. However, before returning to your job, consider the following questions:
- Are you fully cleared by a medical provider to return to work?
- If you are not fully cleared, is your employer aware of the limitations required by your doctor?
- Are there reasonable accommodations to help you in making the adjustment back to work?
Returning To Work After Receiving Maryland Workers’ Compensation Benefits
Benefits available through the Maryland Workers’ Compensation Commission help protect your health and your financial security in the event on-the-job injuries happen. Getting a claim approved can be a challenging and time-consuming process. For the following reasons, use caution before trying to return to work too soon:
- Returning too quickly could result in re-injury. It can take many months for even seemingly minor work-related injuries to heal.
- It increases the risks of permanent disabilities. Pushing yourself to return to work too quickly increases the risk of complications, resulting in permanent disabilities.
- It could jeopardize future benefits. Pushing yourself to return to work before you are ready could jeopardize your rights in a future workers’ compensation claim.
- It could leave you with less income. If you are not fully healed, your employer may put you in a less demanding job, which may pay less as well.
To Protect Your Rights, Contact Our Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorneys
At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we protect your rights in filing a Maryland workers’ compensation claim and help you get the maximum amount you need to fully recover. Call or contact our office online and request a consultation with our experienced Maryland workers’ compensation attorney today.
Sources:
wcc.state.md.us/
dllr.state.md.us/labor/research/research2017.shtml
