When you’ve suffered an injury, it can be difficult to continue performing normal activities at home or in the workplace. Many people also suffer from emotional trauma do the pain that they’ve experienced. If you’re the victim of a personal injury but need to return to work, there are a few main steps to take to ensure you can continue to earn a living and don’t suffer from lost wages.
Remain in Contact with Your Employer
Many people make the mistake of losing contact with their employer, which can make it easy to lose your job as you spend time recovering. Keep your employer updated about your condition, especially when your absence is approved due to your injury. You’ll need to inform the company of when you plan to return to work and what your doctor has said as they treat you. This will assure them that your injuries are real and that you’re not trying to take advantage of the time that you have off.
Obtain a Return to Work Form
Request a Return to Work form once you’re approved to work again to follow the correct protocol. This will inform your employer of any restrictions you may have to avoid putting too much strain on the injured area. There will likely be temporary or permanent restrictions in place, which your medical professional will need to determine based on the extent of your injuries and your ability to fully recover.
Avoid turning down any type of employment you’ve been offered if you have to look for a new job, which can affect your ability to collect worker’s compensation. You can also use the services of a legal professional to stay updated on your rights and avoid making any mistakes. Each state differs with the rights that you’re entitled to when you begin to receive worker’s compensation.
Avoid Returning to Work Too Soon
When you’re low on funds, it can be easy to return to work too soon, which can cause further damage to the affected area where you’ve been injured. If your doctor hasn’t cleared you to return to work, hire an attorney and obtain worker’s compensation to ensure you can continue to pay your bills. A legal professional will help to protect the benefits you’re entitled to when you’ve suffered a personal injury to avoid putting yourself at risk of further injuries.
Understanding your rights as you plan to return to work can make it easier to give yourself time to heal and protect your employment as you take time off. A personal injury attorney can also help you to navigate each step of the process to reduce the risk of losing your form of employment.