If you are injured on the job and file a workers’ compensation claim, you will receive medical care until you have reached “maximum medical improvement.” Maximum medical improvement is the point at which a doctor determines that a work injury patient is able to return to their job.
When returning to work, you may still experience limitations in your abilities. To address this, companies sometimes offer “alternative” or “modified” work options. These arrangements allow occupational injury victims to return to work, even if they are unable to do some things that they could do before they were injured. Work injury victims may be able to continue receiving workers’ compensation benefits even after they have returned to work. It is important to be aware of these possibilities so you can be prepared for any changes when you return to work after being injured on the job.
Alternative and Modified Work
Alternative and modified work arrangements involve changes to an occupational injury victim’s duties or work environment to accommodate any limitations they may be experiencing.
If you qualify for an alternative work arrangement, you will be able to return to your former company, but will work in a different role than the one you previously held.
In modified work arrangements, employees can stay in their previous role. However, the duties that the worker must perform may be slightly changed to adjust to any injury-related limitations. The worker’s pay may be reduced if they are not able to perform certain aspects of their job.
Receiving Workers’ Compensation Benefits After You Return to Work
In general, workers’ compensation benefits cease once you are able to return to work. However, there are some situations in which you may be able to continue receiving benefits even if you are working once again.
Workers’ compensation benefits serve several purposes, and are mainly a source of coverage for medical bills as well as a form of income while a person is not able to work. If you return to work, it is likely that your income benefits will cease. You may still qualify for supplemental income benefits if you are earning less money than you did before you were injured, however. If you are still receiving medical care for your work-related injury when you return to your job, you may still be able to receive the medical benefits provided by workers’ compensation. It is also possible that the terms of your workers’ compensation settlement specify a period of time that you are entitled to benefits, which may still apply when you return to work.
Christian & Christian can help you file a workers’ compensation claim and recover the benefits you deserve. We are available to discuss the details of your case.
To schedule a free consultation with our attorneys, complete our contact form or call (864) 408-8883.