How Will Returning to Work Impact Your NY Workers’ Comp Benefits?

Getting back to work after an accident marks an essential step on your road to recovery. However, this event can also cause confusion if you’re unsure about what will happen with your benefits. If you find yourself grappling with these issues, this post will give you an overview of how returning to work can impact your disability payments.

Understanding Workers’ Comp Benefits in New York

Even if an accident on the job won’t necessarily stop your career, it will force you to take time off to focus on recovering from your injuries. Thankfully, New York’s workers’ comp benefits cover essentials such as medical expenses and lost wages to help ease any financial stress you may be experiencing during this time. In most cases, your employer will keep paying these benefits until you’re well enough to return to work or your health improves enough to stabilize.

Impact of Returning to Work on Your Benefits

New York’s Workers’ Compensation Board will classify your condition into one of four categories:

• Temporary Total Disability
• Temporary Partial Disability
• Permanent Total Disability
• Permanent Partial Disability

If you’re deemed permanently disabled and unable to work because of your injury, you’ll keep receiving the same amount unless you show significant signs of improvement. But if you’re receiving temporary disability payments, your employer and the WCB assume you’ll return to your job within a set time frame.

What is Modified Duty?

If your doctor has cleared you to return to work with specific medical restrictions, an employer can give you a modified duty or an alternative assignment while you fully recover. In this situation, they may put you to do some of your usual job duties or have you do something completely different. Regardless of what you do, you’ll still receive benefits to offset any wage differences until you can handle your regular job responsibilities.

What To Do Before Returning to Work

Before you make the transition back to the workplace, consider taking the following steps to protect your health and legal rights:

• Communicate With Your Employer: Openly discuss your capabilities and limitations with your employer to ensure a clear understanding of your condition and the accommodations you need.
• Consult With Your Doctor: Ensure that your doctor fully supports your decision to return to work and has documented your health status and any recommended restrictions you have.
• Speak To An Attorney: If you’re having issues with your employer over your benefits or want, an experienced attorney will help protect your benefits.

Speak With Our Attorneys Today

It’s natural to worry about your benefits’ future after returning to work, but you don’t need to navigate these challenges alone. Our knowledgeable New York workers’ compensation lawyers will guide you through this process and ensure you keep your benefits for as long as you need to. If you have further questions about your workers’ comp claim, please contact us at 855-208-7783 to schedule a free case review with our team today.