Workers’ compensation does not cover intentional self-harm. Likewise, if horseplay or practical jokes result in injuries, these are unlikely to be reimbursed. It’s important to remember that workers’ compensation is intended to help you return to work as quickly as possible. It’s, therefore, vital that you only quit or change your job if instructed by doctors.

Quitting Your Job

It’s no secret that quitting your job can be a tough decision. Perhaps you’ve had enough of your manager, a toxic work environment, or the lack of growth opportunities. Maybe a family or personal emergency has popped up, and you need to be with them. However, you can quit your job without fear of losing workers’ compensation benefits. It’s best to have a new job lined up before you leave, but sometimes it may not be possible. For example, if your employer assigns you to a light-duty job based on doctor’s restrictions, but the tasks are repetitive and unrewarding, it may make sense to leave your job to earn more. Just communicate your intentions professionally and avoid badmouthing your former company. You can also work as an independent contractor on workers’ comp to maintain income. It is important to consult with a workmans comp attorney before taking such a step.

Refusing to Accept Light-Duty Arrangements

Light duty arrangements return injured workers to work quickly and safely. Refusing to accept such arrangements can delay recovery and increase your risk of getting reinjured or worsening existing injuries. Generally, it would help if you receive any reasonable offer of light-duty work that meets the restrictions set by your doctor. If you refuse to take such an arrangement, it can jeopardize your ability to receive workers’ comp benefits. However, there are certain times when you can reasonably object to a light-duty job offer. First, the request must be detailed enough so that you and your doctor can evaluate whether the duties suit your medical restrictions. They must also be productive and not demeaning. If you do not accept the job, the Board will investigate your refusal to determine if it was reasonable. If you do not agree with the decision, you can appeal it.

Posting About Your Case on Social Media

Many people don’t realize that posting on social media can be used against you during a workers’ comp claim. Even though many people have privacy settings on their accounts, an investigator or insurance company could access your information and use it against you. Posting photos or videos of yourself doing things that contradict your claims of limitations can cause problems. For example, suppose you say that your injuries have severely limited your movement, but you are posting videos of you hitting the gym or playing sports. In that case, it can raise suspicions that you are trying to defraud the insurer. As a result, it is critical to keep the details of your case private and off social media. It is also good to ask your friends not to post about your case. It will prevent them from making a misunderstanding that might hurt your case. Also, consider changing your privacy settings to the highest level possible to protect yourself from those trying to harm you.

Failing to Report Your Injury

It might seem common sense that if you hurt yourself at work, you should inform your employer immediately and complete the appropriate paperwork. Some workplaces have strict protocols for reporting on-the-job injuries, and others might only allow you 30 days (though in some states, this period may be longer).

Regardless of the protocol, failing to report your injury quickly enough can make it seem less severe than you claim. It could also cause the insurance provider to doubt your claim, as they will have little or no evidence you were injured at work. Furthermore, if you post about your case on social media and are caught acting in ways that contradict your injury, the insurer may use this as proof that your injury is not as serious as you say. Therefore, contacting an experienced workers’ compensation attorney right away is important.

Jane