Tips for Returning To Work After a Work Injury

If you suffered a work-related injury and have been out of work for some time, you are likely facing the question of when and how to get back to work. For employees injured on the job, their primary goal is to return to work. Your job gives you purpose and meaning. Your job helps you to take care of yourself and your family. Wage replacement benefits may be helpful, but they only cover two-thirds of your normal wage. If you are wondering when and how to return to work after a work-related injury, you have come to the right place. This article discusses some tips for returning to work after a work injury.

Tip #1: Keep in Touch With Your Employer

It is advisable to stay in touch with your employer while you are out of work because of a work-related injury. Keep your employer informed about your medical progress, delays in treatment, work restrictions assigned, and when you think you might resume work. Communicating with your employer can help show that you are being honest about your condition. Also, it can ensure your employer is better prepared to accommodate you if you return to work with restrictions.

Note: When communicating with your employer, you don’t have to share specific details of your treatment plan and recovery. Also, don’t let your employer pressure you into returning to work too early.

Tip #2: Do Not Resume Work Before Your Doctor Gives You the Go Ahead To Do So

You should not return to work before your doctor clears you to do so. Even if you feel you are well enough to return to work, you should not return to work before your doctor gives you the go-ahead to do so. If you return to work before your doctor clears you to do so, you could re-injure yourself. Returning to work too early may also cause problems for your workers’ compensation case. You could lose your benefits if you return to work too early.

Tip #3: Ask for Accommodations

Depending on the injury you sustained and any lasting effects, you may need to ask your employer for reasonable accommodations that can enable you to do your work effectively. A reasonable accommodation is an adjustment to a job or the environment an employee has to work in. These modifications allow an injured employee to do their job well. You are well within your rights to ask your employer for reasonable accommodations. Your treating physician may be able to make recommendations on accommodations to your employer.

Tip #4: Listen To Your Body

Finally, after you return to work, make sure you listen to your body. Do not strain yourself if you are in pain. You could re-injure yourself or aggravate your previous injury if you strain yourself. The best way toward achieving full recovery is to follow your physician’s advice and take it one day and step at a time.

Contact a Vermont Workers’ Compensation Attorney

If you’ve suffered a work injury, our Vermont workers’ compensation attorney at Sluka Law PLC can offer you the legal guidance you need. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

labor.vermont.gov/workers%E2%80%99-compensation/injured-workers/claims-filing#:~:text=Your%20TTD%20benefits%20are%20approximately%20two%2Dthirds%20of%20your%20usual%20wage