Workplace injuries can result in a significant mental toll on the victims. Depending on the severity of the workplace injury, the victim can likely seek fair compensation with the Workers’ Compensation program.
The workers’ compensation allows an injured employee to claim damages for their injuries. While one worker may receive the payment, they will likely consider leaving the job.
A workplace injury can quickly change an employee’s mind about continuing to work there. As a result, knowing what happens when you decide to quit the job while receiving benefits from workers’ comp will be beneficial. Gplawyers.com can assist you in receiving fair compensation.
Your rights if you get injured at work
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If you get injured while working at your job, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. Your employer has the duty to protect you from hazards in the workplace and should cover your losses in case of an accident. With the help of a workers’ compensation claim, you can enjoy various work-related benefits.
However, if you quit your job before you claim the benefits, it could complicate things.
Scenarios after an employee consider quitting the job while receiving workers’ comp benefits
The workers’ compensation covers a wide range of benefits for the injured employee. For instance, these benefits can range from medical treatment, loss of wage payments, and disability compensation. While injured employees might get worried about difficulties after quitting the job on benefits, you should be relieved to know that leaving the job will not affect you.
Suppose an injured employee leaves the job while receiving workers’ comp benefits, their right to receive continued medical care under the compensation. The injured employed can also expect to continue receiving payments for injuries and damages irrespective of unemployment or relocation to another job.
What changes can occur after I decide to leave the job on workers’ comp benefits?
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While the compensation payments will not be affected, some situations can likely change after leaving the job.
Wage benefits
Injured employees will be entitled to receive wage replacement payments while they recover from their injuries. Loss of wage compensation payments is initiated when an employee is temporarily unable to work and earn an income.
Temporary disability benefits
If the injured employee could return to work in a different capacity than earlier, workers’ compensation for temporary disability benefits can be obtained. Workers can also seek temporary disability benefits if their employer makes accommodations for allowing them to continue work. Temporary disability benefits can help an injured worker compensate for the differences in wages.
Permanent disability benefits
If an employee faces an injury that prevents them from working permanently, permanent disability benefits can be obtained with the help of a workers’ compensation lawyer. Such disability payments can be received by the injured employee as long as the doctor issues certain work restrictions.
If an employee quits the job while receiving permanent disability benefits and the employer happens to stop the payments, the employee can likely be entitled to a permanent disability settlement.
Why you should not quit after getting injured on your job
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If you were injured at your workplace in Iowa, you must file a workers’ comp claim and get your benefits. Many workers do not file the claim thinking they might experience retaliation from their employer. However, the law protects you from such activities. If your employer tries to retaliate against you for filing a claim, you can take action against them.
Iowa is a no-fault state. According to the law in Iowa, the injured worker does not have to prove their injuries to their employer. Regardless of whether you acquired your injuries inside or outside work, your employer must use the workers’ compensation to compensate you.
However, this does not mean you can simply go to your employer or call them and demand compensation. You must provide your medical documents to prove that you have indeed acquired injuries and are suffering from losses. However, you do not necessarily need to prove that your injury was caused while doing a work-related task. You can be compensated even if a third party has caused your injury.
Can you apply for another job while receiving workers’ comp?
You have the right to file for another job while still receiving workers’ comp at your current one. However, if you do get a job offer and accept it, the value of your workers’ comp benefits may reduce. When you start a new job, you will need to report your new income to your former employer’s workers’ comp insurance company.
The workers’ comp insurance company pays you weekly benefits. If your new job pays you less than your old one, the insurance company will continue sending you these benefits. However, if your new job pays you more, they could discontinue your benefits.
Tips for when you are receiving workers’ comp claim
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While you are free to change jobs anytime, a few mistakes can cost you in the long run. You should take every step carefully and understand how each one impacts your case.
- Keep your job before you have another option for work. You do not want to leave your only source of earning and invite more stress into your life.
- Do not leave your current job unless your doctor says “maximum medical improvement.” This ensures that you have reached your maximum recovered health status and can work without risking worsening your injuries. However, you may accept a job offer if it is better than the current one.
- Talk to an experienced workers’ comp attorney immediately. You do not want to navigate through the complex waters of workers’ compensation without legal expertise. An attorney has already encountered various complex situations, so they would instantly know what to do in case of an obstacle.
One of the worst things you can do in a workers’ comp claim is rush to get the compensation. It is true that there are important deadlines you need to remember. However, you should not overlook any benefits that you deserve. If you are considering quitting your job while receiving workers’ comp, contact an attorney today.
