Americans change jobs more frequently than they did previously. According to recent data, the average employee working for a company is about 4.1 years. Similarly, a workplace injury should not stop anyone from moving forward. You may find yourself changing jobs right after sustaining an injury in the workplace. If you find difficulty while changing jobs, click here to schedule an appointment with a personal injury attorney.
Can you switch jobs?
So the basic question is, can you change your job while on workers’ compensation? The answer is Yes, you can. But if you want to change your company/job, there are some factors that you need to consider.
When you receive workers’ compensation benefits due to a work-related injury or illness, you are entitled to receive these benefits until you have fully recovered or reached maximum medical improvement. If you decide to change jobs while on workers’ compensation, you should inform your employer and the workers’ compensation insurance company. You may also require medical clearance from your doctor to show you can physically perform every duty of the new job.
It is important to note that changing jobs while on workers’ compensation can affect your benefits. If you are earning less money in your new job than before, you may be entitled to receive reduced workers’ compensation benefits to make up the difference.
If you earn more money, your workers’ compensation benefits may be adjusted accordingly. Therefore it is always best to work with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney before deciding to change jobs while on workers’ compensation. They will help you navigate the legal requirements and protect your rights. However, there can be some impact on workers’ compensation benefits.
- Wage loss benefits
A new job can impact the benefits of wage loss. When you return to work, your wage will be counted against the workers’ compensation loss benefits. If the wage of your new job is less than the date-of-injury salary, you can still qualify for loss of earning power benefits.
- Medical benefits
Injured workers can claim workers’ compensation for rehabilitative and medical treatment that is “proper and necessary.”
- Permanent Partial Disability Benefits
A worker can receive permanent partial disability benefits if they have a permanent impairment caused due to work-related accident. You changing jobs will not affect the right to a PPD award. Your lawyer can help you get PPD compensation.
