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Can I Get Another Job While on Workers Comp?

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Workers’ compensation is a system in the United States and many other countries that provide benefits to injured or become ill due to their job. In most cases, workers’ comp covers medical expenses and lost wages; if you are injured or become sick while on the job, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits.

However, there is often confusion about whether or not you can work another job while receiving these benefits. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney at Collier Law for a free case review and assistance with your workers’ comp case to learn more about workers’ compensation benefits and your rights.

Can I Work a Second Job While Receiving Benefits in North Carolina?

Collier Law, Workers' Compensation Benefits

If you are receiving workers compensation benefits in the form of temporary total disability benefits from the employer where you were injured (or their insurance carrier), then you should not take another job. This can lead to losing those benefits and potentially a fraud claim. 

What You Need to Know About Changing Jobs While on Workers’ Compensation

There are several things you need to know before switching jobs during which you receive workers’ compensation benefits. These include:

Restrictions and Accommodation

If you are ready for work or looking for a new job while receiving workers’ comp benefits, talk with your doctor and vocational counselor about what is possible. Then, you may want to speak with an attorney at Collier Law to make sure you understand the potential risks and benefits of returning to work or finding a new job before making any decisions.

Medical Benefits

If you change jobs while receiving medical benefits they should not be affected. It’s important to talk with an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer about how changing jobs might impact any current claims you have. At Collier Law, we can help you understand your rights and make sure that you are getting the benefits you deserve.

What If the New Job Is in Another State?

If you’re changing jobs to another state, then this may affect your workers’ compensation benefits. It would be best if you spoke with an experienced lawyer before making any decisions about changing jobs in a different state so that you understand how it might impact any existing claims or new ones coming up.

Staying at The Same Job

In many cases, an employee is able to return to work for the same employer but in a different position that accommodates their injuries or illnesses. For example, if you cannot stand for long periods of time because of your injury or illness, you may be able to take a temporary desk job until your restrictions have been lifted.

If your employer cannot accommodate your work restrictions, then you may be entitled to additional workers’ comp benefits. This usually includes receiving two-thirds of your regular salary while you are unable to work. This is known as light-duty work and can include any job that accommodates your injury or illness and falls within the limitations set by a doctor. If this becomes necessary for you, call Collier Law today to learn more about how we can help.

What If I Had a Second Job Before the Accident?

If you already had a second job when you were injured, and you can continue to work that job, your North Carolina workers’ compensation will not be affected. This means that your employer will pay for any medical treatment related to the injury while they are providing benefits through their insurance company.

However, it is important to remember that these benefits may affect your Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) payments. If you are already receiving SSDI or SSI, then your workers’ compensation benefits will be reduced by the amount of those payments.

Temporary Total Disability (TTD)

If you cannot work at either of your jobs because of an injury or illness, you may be entitled to Temporary Total Disability benefits. These benefits typically last until you can return to work. You will only receive TTD based on the wages of the job you were working where you were injured.

Permanent Partial Disability (PPD)

If you cannot return to your job after recovering from an injury or illness, you may be entitled to Permanent Partial Disability benefits. Usually, at the conclusion of your claim, the doctor will assign a permanent partial disability rating to your injured body part. There is a calculation to determine its worth. Contact Collier Law to go through these calculations and discuss getting a second opinion on your rating. 

Permanent Total Disability (PTD)

If you have suffered a catastrophic injury, you may be entitled to benefits beyond the 500-week cap. Those situations are limited, and usually only apply to (1) severe burns, (2) paralysis, (3) brain injury, and (4) multiple amputations. However, there may be other ways to prove you are entitled to temporary total disability benefits beyond the 500 weeks. Speak with an attorney at Collier Law about your specific situation to learn more.

Workers’ Compensation Job FAQ’s

How Much Can I Expect to Receive From My Employer’s Insurance Company For an On-the-Job Injury Settlement? 

The amount you receive will depend on several factors, including how much time off work was required due to the injury, any medical expenses associated with the treatment of the injury (i.e., prescriptions), and whether or not your employer has other insurance policies that cover injuries at their place of business such as liability coverage through another company.

Contact Collier Law for help determining how much you may receive from workers’ compensation.

What Happens If I Resign While on Workers Comp?

It is best to speak to an attorney prior to resigning from your job. If you are out of work, receiving TTD benefits and medical treatment from workers’ comp, resigning should not affect your right to continue receiving these. However, you should absolutely speak with an attorney prior to resigning from your position. 

How Collier Law Can Help You With the Workers’ Compensation Process

If you or someone you love has suffered a job-related injury or illness, call an experienced workers’ compensation lawyer at Collier Law for assistance with your workers’ comp claim.

You are so much more than a number to us: we value our attorney-client relationship and getting the justice you deserve. We are advocates for injured employees. Call for a free consultation to find out how we may assist you.