Not sure when to jump back into the workforce after getting hurt on the job? Let’s break down the best timing to make sure you're being safe AND getting paid as much as possible in the process!
If you’ve filed a workers’ comp claim, it’s a good idea to get back to work as soon as your doctor says you’re good to go and you feel up to it. The first step? Chat with your doctor. They’ll check out your condition and let you know if you’re ready for your regular duties or if you should start with something lighter. Make sure to follow their advice—it’s the best way to avoid reinjuring yourself or slowing down your recovery.
Getting back to work quickly once you’re cleared is usually a smart move. It shows you’re serious about getting better and moving forward, which can make a good impression on your workers’ comp case. Plus, heading back sooner often boosts your claim’s overall value by reducing lost time and helping you qualify for full compensation if you have any permanent impairments.
On the flip side, delaying your return without a valid medical reason can work against you. Your medical records will show whether you’re ready or not, and if it looks like you’re staying out longer than necessary, people might question your intentions. That could hurt your credibility and even lower the settlement you end up with.
Going back to work after filing a workers’ comp claim is usually a smart move, especially if your case involves schedule loss of use—injuries to things like your arms, legs, or hands. How much your claim is worth depends on how much permanent damage you have after you’ve finished treatment.
For example, if your arm has a 10% loss of use, your payout is based on a set number of weeks’ pay at two-thirds of your salary, with a cap set by law. Heading back to work sooner helps you avoid deductions insurers make for missed time, so you end up keeping more of your settlement.
Another big plus to going back is that you can earn your regular paycheck while still getting the full value of your permanent injury settlement. If you don’t miss any work, the insurer won’t deduct workers’ comp payments from your final award, which means you come out better financially.
For permanent partial disability cases—like injuries to your head, neck, or back—insurers set aside money (called reserves) based on what they think your claim will cost.
If you stay out of work longer than you need to, those reserves can get used up, making it tougher to get funds for future treatment or benefits. Getting back to work while you’re still getting treatment keeps your medical records up-to-date and your case solid, setting you up for the best possible outcome.
If your doctor clears you to go back to work, sticking with workers’ comp instead of trying to return needs a really good reason. Your medical records tell the story of your condition and disability level, and once you’re given the green light, there’s usually not much justification for staying on benefits. That’s why it’s important to make an effort to get back to work as soon as your doctor says you’re ready.
A common mistake injured workers make is not following their doctor’s advice—either staying out of work too long or jumping back in too soon.
Sometimes money worries or just wanting to get out of the house can push people to return before they’re ready, but that can make your injury worse and hurt your case. On the flip side, ignoring your doctor’s advice to stay off work and trying to go back anyway can also mess up your claim.
The best way to avoid these issues is to always check in with your doctor first and talk to your employer about adjusting your duties if needed.
If your doctor clears you to go back to work, but the job turns out to be too tough physically or mentally because of your injury, it’s important to act quickly. Start by checking back in with your doctor and explaining exactly what’s going on. Your medical records need to show that you tried to return and why it didn’t work out. This helps create a clear timeline of what happened.
For example, if you worked for a week but your back pain got worse, or the mental stress became too much, make sure to share all the details with your doctor. You might say something like, “I worked for a few days, but by the end of each shift, the pain was so bad that by the weekend, I couldn’t even get out of bed.” Your doctor can document this in your records to show why you had to stop working.
This kind of documentation is key to protecting your workers’ comp benefits and keeping your case credible. It shows you made a genuine effort to return but had to stop because your injury was still holding you back.
If you’re unsure about your next steps or just need someone to help you make sense of it all, I’m here to help.
Give me, Rex Zachofsky, a call at 212-406-8989—whether it’s to ask a quick question or to discuss your situation in more detail. There’s no pressure, just a conversation to make sure you’re on the right track. If I can help, I’ll let you know, and if not, I’ll do my best to point you in the right direction. Let’s figure this out together.
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