Lancaster Hurt on the Job Lawyers

If you’ve been injured in the workplace, or suffered a work-related illness, then you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.  Being granted workers’ compensation benefits is not the end of the road, however. A consultation with Lancaster hurt on the job lawyers is perhaps the best way to avoid a potential benefits issue.

Depending on the severity of your injury, you may be capable of returning to work.  Though many recipients of workers’ compensation benefits are excited to return to work and begin the reintegration process, there are a number of concerns that tend to crop up.

Workers often worry about how their return to work will affect their receipt of benefits, for example, or how expansive their job duties will be given their continued recovery.  These are perfectly reasonable anxieties to have in the wake of a work-related injury or accident.  It’s not uncommon for employers to try and rush a worker’s reintegration process and push them beyond what is “safe” given their health issues.

Let’s take a closer look.

Beginning the Return-to-Work Process

Before you can return to work, your physician will have to give you medical clearance regarding the status of your health and whether you can complete the job duties required of you.  After this clearance has been provided, you’ll have to notify your employer, as well as the insurer paying the benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Returning to Work

Q: Will I lose out on workers’ compensation benefits if I return to work?

A: It depends.

Workers’ compensation benefits cover medical expenses and wage loss.  Generally speaking, your return to work will only have an impact on the wage loss benefits.

Returning to work in a “lighter” role may not lead to a termination of all wage loss benefits.  If you are only capable of working part-time due to your injury, for example, then you may still receive reduced wage loss benefits (referred to as partial disability).  By contrast, if you’ve made a complete recovery and are capable of working a job without limited duties or pay, then your entitlement to wage loss benefits may be terminated entirely.

As your health status changes over the course of your employment, so too may your work duties.  It’s important that you keep the insurance company informed about the change in your health status and job duties.

Q: My employer is giving me work outside of the “light duties” they hired me back for.  What can I do?

A: It’s quite common for your previous employer to make an offer of employment that features a “lighter” workload, and then, weeks or months later, for your employer to slowly expand the job duties in an informal manner.

Documentation is critical.

You are entitled to refuse to perform duties that exceed your medical restrictions.  To best protect your rights you’ll want to keep records.  When you return to work, request a job description in writing that clearly outlines your duties.  Further, keep your employer “in the know” about your doctor’s recommendations and restrictions so that they do not step over the line.

Q: My employer is creating a hostile work environment for me because I am continuing to receive workers’ compensation benefits.  Is this legal?

A: No, under Pennsylvania law, workers may not be retaliated against for exercising their right to receive workers’ compensation benefits.  If your employer is creating a hostile work environment, or has terminated your employment because you are continuing to receive workers’ compensation benefits, then you may have an independent cause of action for damages against your employer.

Request a Free Consultation With Our Experienced Lancaster Hurt on the Job Lawyers

Vanasse Law LLC is a small, local law firm that exclusively handles workers’ compensation claims.  We have decades of experience representing those who have suffered injuries or illness in a workplace setting, and who may be navigating the complicated process of returning to work.  In fact, founding Attorney Mike Vanasse has personally handled thousands of workers’ compensation claims and disputes, and is certified as a Workers’ Compensation specialist by the Pennsylvania Bar Association.

These experiences have helped guide our understanding of what it takes to maximize the benefits available to our clients despite various challenges, such as an unscrupulous employer forcing you to rush recovery beyond what you’re comfortable with (or even capable of).  If you’ve been injured in the workplace or suffered a work-related illness and are struggling with the numerous pressures associated with returning to work, we can help.

Call 717-397-1010 or contact us online to schedule a free and confidential consultation with our skilled Lancaster hurt on the job lawyers.  We operate a single office out of Lancaster, and are easily accessible to clients throughout the region (in Berks, Chester, Dauphin, Lebanon, and York counties).