When an Injured Employee Returns to Work

Reuters.com recently posted an article focused on what employers need to do when an injured worker returns to his or her job. We thought it was important information to pass along to you, too.

Each state has different laws when it comes to workers’ compensation. However, there are 3 things that you should remember when returning to work.

1. If you receive equal or higher pay when you return to work after an injury, you may not be entitled to more workers’ comp benefits. But if you received a reduction in pay because of your injuries, you may still be able to receive benefits. But the benefits may be reduced.

2. There are different types of benefits that you can receive, including temporary partial benefits that are paid to temporarily disable employees; and temporary total benefits for those who are completely unable to return to work because of the injury. The amount of benefits you receive is often based upon a percentage of the employee’s wages.

3. In general, employers cannot retaliate against an injured employee who files for workers’ comp. It is wrong to discriminate against, harass, or fire an employee for filing a workers’ comp claim.

If you are injured on the job, it can be difficult to know what steps to take to be sure you are taken care of physically and compensated financially. Contact the workers’ comp attorneys at O’Connor Law. We’re on your side.