The returning to work phase is the most complicated and risky part of a workers’ compensation claim. There are many rules and regulations that apply to the process of returning to work, and it would be extremely difficult to navigate through the process without the help of a professional.
John Hedrick has been taking on workers’ compensation cases since 1994 and has experienced hundreds of cases similar to yours. We have asked Mr. Hedrick some of the most common questions we hear from previous workers’ compensation case clients. Here are the questions and responses to those questions.
How Soon After Workers Comp Claim Can You Return To Work?
An employee can return to work as soon as they are physically able to continue performing their duties as required of them. They are also able to return to work as soon as their doctor informs them that they are well enough to do so. There are many rights and rules that apply to the return to work process.
Can I Settle My Workers Comp Case After Returning To Work?
Yes, a workers comp case can be settled at any time, including after an employee returns to work.
Can A Job Have You Fired After Returning To Work From A Workers Comp Injury?
Once an employee returns to work, they are susceptible to being fired for a few different reasons. Some of the reasons that an employer may fire an employee are unjust and unlawful. Other situations allow for the employer to have a very reasonable cause for firing an employee after a workers compensation claim. Here are a few examples for each case:
In some unjust cases, the insurance company and employer will push for the employee to return to work just to fire them for fabricated reasons that are framed to look lawful. This is unjust and unfair to the employee because many times, the employer is acting out of retaliation toward the employee due to the workman comp claim filed against them.
In other cases where it may be lawful for the employer to fire an employee after returning to work, is if the employee is unable to perform the tasks required of them due to their injury. For example, if the employee’s job involves a lot of walking or climbing ladders, an employee may not be able to perform this task if they suffered a major knee or leg injury.
Are There Rules On Returning To Work After Workers Comp?
There are many laws that apply to the return to work process of a workers comp claim. It is best to navigate through this process with an experienced lawyer that knows all the ins and outs of returning to work after a workers comp case.
If you are currently trying to return to work after a workers comp case and do not have a workers compensation lawyer to help you through the process, consider working with John Hedrick. With over 25 years of experience, Mr. Hedrick can help you return to work with protection against being wrongfully treated. When returning to work after a workers comp case, you should have all the tools necessary in order to do so successfully. Contact the Law Office of John Hedrick today for more information.
