Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Benefits: What Happens When You Return To Work Too Soon

When on-the-job injuries in Harrisburg happen, it’s natural to want to get back on your feet as soon as possible. However, returning to work too soon can pose serious risks.

Workers frequently face pressure to go back before they’ve fully healed, whether from supervisors, insurance adjusters, or company doctors. Unfortunately, doing so can jeopardize your health and your workers’ compensation benefits. Our experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer explains more about the risks and how to protect your rights.

The Risks of Returning to Work Before You’re Ready

The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that over 100,000 workers get hurt on the job in Pennsylvania each year. Benefits available for the Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation program provide a safety net, covering your medical expenses and lost income while you recover.

In the weeks or months following an injury, your employer or the insurance company may offer you a light-duty job or urge you to return with restrictions. Potential risks of going back to work too soon include:

• Worsening the existing injury or developing new complications.
• Being assigned duties outside your medical restrictions.
• Suffering a second injury due to a lack of accommodations or support.
• Facing retaliation or job loss if you can’t perform as expected

One of the biggest risks of returning to work is losing your workers’ compensation benefits. This could jeopardize your future financial security, leaving you to pay out of pocket for medical bills and future lost earnings.

Feeling Pressured To Return To Work? Follow These Tips

Under PA workers’ compensation guidelines, you have the right to return to work only when it’s safe and appropriate for your recovery. If you’re cleared for restricted duty, your employer must follow those restrictions exactly. If they offer a job outside your limitations, or if returning puts you at risk, you have legal options.

To protect yourself, follow these steps:

• Request a copy of all medical evaluations, including the insurer’s Independent Medical Exam (IME) report.
• Ask your treating doctor whether returning, even in a light-duty role, is safe for your condition.
• Put all return-to-work communications in writing, including job offers and medical restrictions.
• Keep a record of job duties, especially if they differ from what was approved.
• Speak to an experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer before agreeing to return if you feel pressured or unsure.

You do not have to return to a position that violates your doctor’s restrictions or puts your recovery in danger. A lawyer can file a petition to challenge premature benefit suspensions or unsafe return-to-work assignments.

To Protect Your Benefits, Contact Our Experienced Harrisburg Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Returning to work too soon after on-the-job injuries in Harrisburg could put both your health and financial security at risk. At Ira H. Weinstock, P.C., we act as a strong advocate for injured workers and take the legal actions needed to protect their rights to benefits.

If you’re feeling pressure to return to work before you’re ready, contact our experienced Harrisburg workers’ compensation lawyer. Reach out to request a consultation today.

Sources:

bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_pennsylvania.htm

pa.gov/agencies/dli/programs-services/workers-compensation

pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/dli/documents/businesses/compensation/wc/safety/paths/documents/return-to-work-full-version.pdf