- Workers' Compensation
The whole purpose of Florida workers’ comp is to make sure employees who are hurt on the job have a chance to get better before they return to work. For some people, this could be a matter of weeks. Other people may not be ready to return to work for close to a year.
It depends on a lot of things. Obviously, it depends on the seriousness and type of your injury. Somebody with a knee injury will be out of work longer than somebody who sprained their wrist. It will also depend on your physical condition and age. It may take an older worker longer to recover from their injuries than a young person.
The good news is that your South Florida workers’ comp attorney will make sure your claim is handled properly from the start.
You Shouldn’t Return to Work Until You’re Completely Healed
One concern a lot of our clients have is that they’ll be forced to return to work too soon. If you know that you aren’t ready to go back, you need to call your lawyer right away. They can get a second opinion from another doctor. They can even meet with your treating doctor and ask them why they think you’re fully recovered.
Depending on the outcome of these meetings, you may have to go back to work earlier than you’d like. Or you may be asked to return to work in a position that doesn’t require physical activity. For example, perhaps you work as a truck driver. You can’t drive yet because your knee injury has not fully healed. However, you may be asked to come in and work the dispatch desk or do some filing. If this happens, you’ll be hard-pressed to argue that you can’t do it.
You May Be Required to Go Back to Work on Light Duty
Some employees are required to return to work on light duty. It’s rare that a company will make up a job just to get you back in the office. They want to make sure that you can be productive in whatever the new position is. Once you get word that you’re being recalled, your South Florida workers’ comp attorney can request information on the new position.
If they don’t feel you can handle it, they’ll let you know. If they don’t think it’ll hurt you to go back to the new position, they’ll recommend that you return. If you refuse to return, whether it’s to a light-duty position or your regular job, you won’t receive benefits. So, make sure you communicate with your attorney, so they know what’s going on with your case.
Are You Complying with Your Doctor’s Treatment Plan?
One thing your attorney will need to know is whether you’re complying with the doctor’s treatment plan. If you’re supposed to go to physical therapy, then go. If you miss your appointments, the insurance company and your employer will argue that you aren’t really hurt. The workers’ comp system is there to make sure you are provided with the medical care you need to get better. If you refuse to cooperate with your own medical treatment, there’s a good chance your benefits will be terminated.
Your South Florida Workers’ Comp Attorney Will Try to Reason with the Your Employer
If your employer does threaten to fire you if you won’t return to work, call us immediately. Your South Florida workers’ comp attorney will get in touch with your employer right away. They’ll need to find out why your employer thinks you need to go back to work. If they’re being completely unreasonable, you may need to pursue legal action. Hopefully, this won’t be the case and they’ll be willing to negotiate a settlement.
If Your Benefits are at Risk, Call and Talk to an Experienced South Florida Workers’ Comp Attorney
If your employer tells you that they are cutting off your benefits, you need help. You need to come in and meet with an experienced South Florida workers’ comp attorney. This way, they can find out what’s going on with your case and make sure you take the necessary steps to protect your rights. Call our office today and schedule your free, initial consultation. Sit down with an attorney who has handled dozens of cases just like yours. They can answer any questions you may have and put your mind at ease.
