Thursday, December 11, 2014

How Long Can You Stay on Workers Comp?

The last thing you expect when you go into work in the morning is an injury. No matter if you work in an office, on a construction site, or in a restaurant, every job carries some level of risk. Should you become injured while on the job, you may qualify to receive Workers Comp. Workers Comp allows you some financial compensation while you recover from your injury if you have to miss work. Depending on the severity of your accident, you may receive money to help pay bills and other essentials while you remain at home. How long, though, can you remain collecting such benefits?

The amount of time you may continue to receive Workers Comp benefits, naturally, depends on a number of factors. Because this program is regulated state by state, terms will vary depending on where you live. When you first come to work and receive orientation, your Human Resources manager should explain to you what the laws are regarding work injury at your new place of business.

Let's say you are hurt while on the job, and you qualify for WC benefits. How long will you receive them while you are out of the workplace? The answer depends primarily on your condition and recovery time. Your employer will not let you come back to work unless a doctor verifies that you are capable of returning to your regular duties. Until you receive the green light, you may continue to receive WC payments. It could take weeks, months, or even a year or more for you to full recover. However, if your employer has the means to put you in a different position - light or simple office duty, for example - you may come back to work and still receive benefits. Again, this depends on the laws where you live.

Can you be fired or laid off while you are on medical leave? It is possible. If you are injured at work and receive Worker's Comp, your company is not obligated to hold your job for you. A doctor can examine you and proclaim that your injuries will not allow you to return to your original job. Your employer, therefore, can decide if he wishes to dismiss you or find something else to do within the company. Bear in mind, though, that the status of your job should not affect your comp claim. You may continue to receive benefits while you find a more suitable position, but you definitely want to consult with somebody who can help you through this time.

Getting in touch with an attorney who specializes in personal injury law can help you figure out what you need to do when you are hurt, and how to reclaim employment.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer specializing in articles on Virginia personal injury law and Maryland personal injury law.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kathryn_Lively

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