What Happens If You Can Never Work Again After An Injury

Getting injured on the job can be stressful and traumatic, especially if your injury or illness takes a long time to heal and reduces your earning capability. But what happens if you are told that you can never return to work after your injury or illness? Talk to a Newport News workers’ comp attorney today and figure out your legal options if you cannot return to work. 

Workers’ comp doctors 

After a work-related injury, the workers’ comp doctors that you may see are: 

• An expert medical advisor appointed by the court 
• An independent medical examiner, also called a one-time expert 
• An authorized physician selected by the insurance company 

After being examined by the appointed workers’ comp doctors, you can expect one of the three outcomes: 

• You can return to work without any restrictions 
• You can return to work, but you will only be able to do light-duty work with lesser responsibilities 
• You can not return to work at all 

After a workplace injury, most people are eager to return to work and earn again. Hearing that you may never be able to get back to work at all can be very alarming and terrifying. However, if your doctors have told you that you will not be able to return to work, then you may qualify for partial disability benefits. Talk to an experienced lawyer to know more about what laws are in place to protect you in these situations. 

You may qualify for disability benefits. 

Most people can return to work after recovering from their work-related injuries. However, for some people, returning to work after an illness or injury may not be possible due to the permanent consequences of the workplace accident they were involved in. 

If your injury has left you in a state where you will never be able to do the same work again, then you may qualify for permanent partial disability benefits. However, suppose you can only do lighter work while recovering but, after recovery, would be able to return to your previous role. In that case, you may qualify for temporary partial disability benefits. Partial disability benefits can help you compensate for your reduced earning capacity by replacing some of your lost income. 

Giving a recorded statement

Your employer or their insurance company may ask you to give a recorded statement about the details of your injury. It is essential to decline this request and consult with an attorney in Newport before providing any information. A recorded statement can be used against you in the future and may harm your chances of receiving the financial assistance you need to recover.

Posting the injuries or incident on social media 

It is important to be mindful of what you post on social media after a work injury. Insurance companies and employers may use your social media posts as evidence against you to deny your claim for workers’ compensation or other forms of financial assistance. 

It is vital to keep your social media posts private or, if you must post about your injury, to be careful about what information you share.

Signing papers without consulting a lawyer

After a work injury, you may be approached by your employer or their insurance company with paperwork to sign. It is important to consult with an attorney before signing anything, as these documents may waive your rights to workers’ compensation or other forms of financial assistance.

Schedule a consultation today. 

If you have been involved in a workplace accident, and your illness or injury has left you unable to work, you deserve to be compensated for the damages caused. Do not waste any more time, and talk to an experienced workers’ comp attorney today so that you can figure out how to protect your rights.