Navigating the complexities of the workers’ compensation system in St. Louis can be confusing and difficult.
If you’ve recently been injured at work and you’re receiving workers’ compensation benefits, you may be wondering if – and when – you have to return to work. In this article, we’ll explain what you need to know.
If You’re Cleared to Return to Work By Your Doctor, You Have to Go Back to Work
The most common workers’ compensation benefit is TTD (temporary total disability) benefits. These benefits compensate you for about 66% of your average weekly wage while you are recovering from an injury or surgery to treat your injury.
These benefits will typically be provided until you can return to work or reach “maximum medical improvement.” If your doctor authorizes you to return to work in your old position, you must return to work.
The same is true if you are offered a new position that pays less from your current employer if you are not able to return to your previous job. You will have to return to work. However, you will be compensated for about 66% of the difference between your previous average weekly earnings and the earnings you will be able to earn during your disability.
What if I Can’t Do My Old Job Anymore After My Injury Due to a Disability?
In some cases, you may not be able to return to your old job at all after a disability. For example, permanent disfigurement of a hand may prevent you from doing a skilled job like welding and pipefitting.
After this injury, you may be able to work in a new job or industry that does not require the use of that hand, but you will never be able to return to your previous position or industry.
If this is the case, you will not have to return to your old job, and you will receive “permanent partial disability” benefits. Your disability will be evaluated by doctors and experts, and you will get a lump sum settlement based on your injury and disability.
This cannot usually be determined until you have completed medical treatment and reached “maximum medical improvement.” It’s very important to work with a workers’ compensation lawyer in St. Louis to get the largest possible settlement for your work injury.
Contact a St. Louis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Navigating the complexities of the workers’ compensation system in St. Louis can be confusing and difficult. That’s why hiring a work injury attorney in St. Louis is so helpful. With the assistance and guidance of a lawyer, you will be able to navigate the bureaucracy and legal complexities of the workers’ compensation system more effectively.