Returning To Work Following An Injury

Worried about Returning to Work? Talk with a Lawyer

After an on-the-job injury, most people want to go back to work as quickly as possible. However, returning to work too soon can delay your recovery or cause you to re-injure yourself.

Before you go back to work, talk to your doctor and see what he or she recommends. You may be able to return to work on light duty with restrictions, or you may be able to work part-time. If you are having problems getting the necessary accommodations from your employer and want to understand your rights, contact the workers' compensation attorneys at Woomer & Hall.

Our injury lawyers will assist you in securing all of the benefits you deserve under the law. We represent injured workers throughout western Pennsylvania and northern West Virginia.

Light Duty Work

If your doctor authorizes you to return to light duty work, your employer must determine a specific job description for you to perform. Light duty work should be less demanding than your previous duties but still allow you to be active during your recovery period. This new job description should be approved by your physician and your employer should not ask you to perform any unauthorized or unapproved work tasks. Stay in touch with your doctor while you are working light duty to ensure that you are not setting back your recovery.

Part Time Work

If a back or leg injury makes it difficult to stand or walk for a full day, you may have the option of working part-time while you recover. If you suffered a permanently disabling injury, part-time work may be one of the "reasonable accommodations" your employer is required to make under the law. Please note, if you are working part time, you can still receive partial temporary workers' compensation in addition to your wages.

Vocational Rehabilitation

An injured worker who cannot return to their former job may be entitled to vocational rehabilitation in the form of on-the-job training, interview skills assistance, resume completion services, transferable skills assistance and job search assistance. The vocational rehabilitation benefits for which you may qualify are determined by the applicable state laws and regulations, as well as your specific situation and disability.

If you are having problems with workplace accommodations or if you have not received the benefits you believe you deserve, contact our law office or call 1-800-686-0848. Your initial consultation is free. We charge no attorneys' fees or costs of any kind unless we recover compensation for you.