If you’re feeling pressured to return to work before you’re ready or if your employer isn’t respecting your work restrictions, it’s crucial to understand your legal rights.
Rushing back to work before you’re ready can have serious long-term consequences for your health and workers’ compensation claim. The Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can help protect your interests and ensure you receive the full benefits you’re entitled to under Missouri workers’ compensation law.
Understanding the Risks of Premature Return to Work
When you return to work before your injury has properly healed, you face several significant risks:
- Aggravating Your Original Injury – One of the most immediate dangers is the possibility of worsening your existing injury. Even if you feel mostly recovered, your body may not be ready for the physical demands of your job. What might seem like minor discomfort can quickly escalate into a more severe condition when subjected to workplace stresses.
- Developing Secondary Injuries – When you’re not fully healed, you may unconsciously compensate for your injury by changing how you move or perform tasks. This altered movement can lead to secondary injuries in other parts of your body. For example, favoring one leg due to a knee injury might cause back problems over time.
- Impacting Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits – Returning to work too soon can seriously affect your workers’ compensation benefits. If you resume work before reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI), you might:
- Forfeit certain benefits you’re entitled to
- Complicate the assessment of your long-term disability
- Make it more challenging to prove the full extent of your injury
- Risk having your claim disputed if your condition worsens
Warning Signs You’re Not Ready to Return
Here are key indicators that you should continue your recovery before returning to work:
- Persistent pain or discomfort
- Limited range of motion
- Difficulty performing basic tasks related to your job
- Ongoing need for pain medication
- Feeling exhausted after minimal physical activity
- Your doctor advises against returning to work
- Inability to concentrate due to pain or medication
Pressure to Return: Know Your Rights
Many workers feel pressured to return to work prematurely due to:
- Financial concerns
- Employer pressure
- Fear of job loss
- Guilt about being away from work
- Pressure from insurance companies
Remember: Under Missouri law, you have the right to:
- Complete your medical treatment
- Recover fully before returning to work
- Receive appropriate workers’ compensation benefits during recovery
- Request accommodations or modified duty when you do return
Contact Us for Help
If you’re dealing with pressure to return to work too soon after an injury, or if you have questions about your workers’ compensation claim, contact the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann. Our experienced team can help protect your rights and ensure you receive the time and benefits you need for a full recovery. Call us today for a free consultation.