THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT…. YOUR WORKERS’ COMPENSATION CASE (PART 3)
- RETURN TO WORK
AFTER YOUR INJURY, YOU CAN RETURN TO WORK. In fact, this is often the best option – financially and otherwise. Talk to your treating doctor, union representative and/or employer. They may be able to make changes to your regular job so that you can continue to work. This is called “modified duty”. If this is not possible, your employer may offer you another job that you can perform. This is called “alternative work”. This modified duty or alternative work may just be temporary or may continue indefinitely. This depends on the nature of your employer’s business, your injury or illness.
If your employer does not offer you either “modified duty” or “alternative work” you may qualify for a limited vocational rehabilitation benefit, payment of a Supplemental Job Displacement Benefit or “Voucher”, and other related benefits, including a fund available to you through the date of California which is very easy to access.
- PROOF OF RETURN TO WORK OR DISABILITY EXTENSION
If your disability is extended or you are released to return to work by your doctor, ask for a written slip indicating the return or extension date and any temporary disability or permanent work restrictions. Give it to your employer, send a copy to us, and keep a copy for your records. I you return to work and later become unable to perform your job, notify your employer before leaving your workplace and see your physician as soon as possible. All periods of non-work must be certified by your doctor. KEEP A CAREFUL WRITTEN RECORD OF BEGINNING AND ENDING DATES OF ALL PERIODS YOU ARE UNABLE TO WORK, so we may ensure that you receive appropriate workers’ compensation payments.
