Will Your Workers' Compensation Benefits Be Cut Off?
When you are injured at work and are not able to continue working for a while, you will then receive temporary compensation through your company's worker's compensation policy. However, these payments eventually end when your treating physician determines that you are able to return to work. If this is the case, you might disagree with the physician and argue that you still need more time to recover.
Returning to Work
When a physician tells you that you are able to work part-time or full-time, you will need to report back to work. Otherwise, you will not only risk having your payments cut off, but your employer will also be free to terminate you.
Having Your Benefits Automatically Cut Off
After a certain number of weeks, the workers' compensation insurance provider will be able to stop making payments. However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and you will want to speak with a workers' compensation attorney about whether you will be able to have your benefits extended.
Reaching Maximum Medical Improvement
Another reason why you might lose your benefits is that your treating physician believes that you have reached the state of "maximum medical improvement." One of the purposes of workers' compensation is to allow you to rest so you can recover more fully and will be able to return to work. However, if you are no longer able to improve, you may be forced to instead apply for SSDI benefits.
Seeking a Second Opinion
If you are concerned about your workers' compensation benefits being terminated, you will need to speak to a workers' compensation attorney about what you should do next. In some cases, you will be able to seek a second opinion.
You may not feel that your doctor was right when they gave you permission to go back to work. You may still be bedridden and your doctor might still expect you to go to work.
Selecting a Physician
You will be required to see a physician that is chosen by the workers' compensation insurance provider. You will usually have a few doctors to choose from. Unfortunately, by not going with your normal doctor, you will be working with a doctor who does not know your medical history.
In some states, you may be automatically entitled to a second opinion if your treating physician recommends that you undergo surgery. If this is the case, you should take advantage of it. However, if this isn't the case, you should consult with a workers' compensation attorney about how to move forward.
