Workers’ compensation is a system of insurance that benefits employees injured or who become ill due to their job. Workers’ compensation claims can be filed for various reasons, including workplace accidents, repetitive stress injuries, and occupational diseases.
In most cases, workers’ compensation will cover the cost of medical treatment and a portion of lost wages. However, there are a few things that workers’ compensation will not cover, such as punitive damages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.
So, what are you allowed to do while on workers’ compensation? Here is a list of activities that you can and cannot do while your claim is active.
What are the restrictions on workers’ comp claim?
While most workers’ compensation claims are valid, there are a few restrictions that claimants need to be aware of. For example, workers’ compensation will not cover expenses unrelated to the injury or illness. This includes things like travel expenses, childcare, and legal fees.
Additionally, workers’ compensation will not cover self-inflicted injuries outside of work. So, if you get injured in a car accident or while playing sports, you cannot file a workers’ compensation claim.
Finally, workers’ compensation will not cover injuries due to alcohol or drug use. So, if you are injured while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you will not be able to collect workers’ compensation benefits.
What are some things you are not allowed to do while on a workers’ comp claim?
You are not allowed to do several things while on a workers’ comp claim. These include:
- Do Not Miss appointments: Finally, ensure to attend all appointments related to your workers’ compensation case. Missing appointments can result in delays or the termination of your benefits altogether.
- Working for someone else: You cannot work for another employer while receiving benefits from your workers’ comp claim. This is because you could get injured again and then is unable to receive benefits from your original claim.
- Collecting Benefits from Two Claims: You cannot simultaneously collect benefits from two different workers’ comp claims. If you do, your benefits will be terminated, and you may have to pay back any money you previously received.
- Refusing Treatment: You must undergo all necessary medical treatment to recover from your injury. If you refuse treatment, your boss can terminate your workers’ compensation benefits.
- Filing for bankruptcy: You are not allowed to file for bankruptcy or make any other financial decisions that could jeopardize your Workers’ Comp claim.
- Receiving Benefits from Employer: In most cases, you are not allowed to receive any benefits from your employer while collecting workers’ compensation benefits. This includes salary, health insurance, and any other benefits offered by your employer.
- Filing Lawsuit Against Employer: You cannot file a lawsuit against your employer for the accident that caused your injury. This is because workers’ compensation is an alternative to suing your employer.
- You Cannot Travel Outside of the Country: Another thing that you are not allowed to do is travel outside of the country. If something happens and you need medical attention, it may be difficult for your doctor to treat you if you are overseas.
- Do Not Quit Your Job: Another thing you should avoid doing is quitting your job. Quitting your job will create complications with receiving benefits and could potentially mean the denial of your claim altogether.
Conclusion
While on a workers’ compensation claim, you are generally allowed to do anything your doctor approves. You can also return to work in a limited capacity as long as your employer approves. If you have any questions about your rights or benefits, you should contact an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. At Pistiolas Law, we are dedicated to helping injured workers get the benefits they deserve. Contact us today at (844) 414-1768 for a free consultation.
