- Workers' Compensation
Sometimes, an employee who is out on workers’ compensation gets a job offer they can’t pass up. However, if you are thinking about changing jobs, you must let your Spring Hill workers comp attorney know right away.
Here, we’ll discuss what can happen if you accept a new job while collecting workers’ compensation benefits. We’ll also explain why it’s important that you keep your workers’ compensation lawyer in Spring Hill updated on any new career prospects.
Florida Workers Compensation Law Doesn’t Stop You From Accepting a New Job
It is illegal in Florida to fire someone in retaliation for filing a workers’ compensation claim. But your employer can terminate you for reasons unrelated to your workers’ comp claim. You may also choose to switch jobs.
Just because you’re receiving workers’ compensation benefits, that doesn’t mean you aren’t allowed to leave your job. Florida is an at-will state.
As any Spring Hill workers comp attorney will confirm, you can accept a new job. But you need to understand that your workers’ comp benefits may be impacted if you make this choice.
What Happens to Your Benefits if You Accept a New Job?
Many clients ask our workers’ compensation lawyers in Spring Hill if their benefits will end if they take a new job.
When it comes to workers’ comp benefits, there are two main types. First, your medical care will be covered by your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance company. These benefits will continue regardless of where you work.
Weekly replacement wages will generally end if you accept a new job. If not, they’ll be reduced to account for wages from your new job.
Does Your New Position Carry the Same Duties as Your Previous Job?
One factor that may impact whether your benefits will continue is the duties of your new job. Imagine that you work in construction. You injure your back and can no longer carry anything over twenty pounds.
Clearly, you won’t be able to do construction work anymore. However, if you accept a new job selling insurance, it won’t require any physical labor. Your Spring workers comp attorney will notify the insurance adjuster. They’ll explain that you’re still being treated for your injury but found a new job that isn’t physically demanding.
Your Spring Hill Workers Comp Attorney Can Explain the Ramifications of Taking a New Job
We always suggest that you talk to your Spring Hill workers comp attorney before you accept a new position. You will want to make sure you aren’t going to lose your medical coverage if you change jobs.
The good news is that, as long as you’re still being treated for your work-related injuries, your treatment will be covered. However, once your workers’ compensation doctor determines that you’ve achieved maximum medical improvement, these benefits will end as well.
You must notify the workers’ compensation insurance company when you accept a new job. Otherwise, they could terminate your benefits.
You Need to Tell Your Spring Hill Workers Comp Attorney About Changes in Your Employment
If you’re considering taking a new job, make sure you talk to your Spring Hill workers comp attorney about it.
Not only will your lawyer do what they can to protect you, but they can also explain what the consequences will be if you start a new job. A decision like this should not be taken lightly. There is simply too much at stake to do that.
Your lawyer will make the insurance company is notified and explain the situation to them.
Can You Start a New Job if You Were Declared Permanently Disabled?
It’s one thing when somebody who is still being treated for their workplace injuries starts a new job. It is a bit different when you’ve already reached maximum medical improvement.
If your doctor determines that you’re permanently disabled, they will have to assign an impairment rating to your case. This is essentially the percentage of disability you have suffered in the particular body parts you hurt.
If you start a new job, you will have to undergo a second medical evaluation to see if your impairment rating has changed. If it does, the amount you’ll receive in permanent benefits may change too.
Even if your impairment rating doesn’t change, your benefits will be reduced since you’ll be receiving a new income.
Contact a Seasoned Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Spring Hill Immediately
While you have the right to accept a new job if you’re receiving workers’ compensation, a new position may impact your benefits. It’s always best to talk with your workers comp attorney before changing jobs.
If you have been hurt in a work-related accident, our workers’ compensation lawyers in Spring Hill are here to help you get the benefits you deserve. All you have to do is contact our office at (954) 324-COMP today and schedule your free, initial consultation.
