Can Returning to Work Too Soon Hurt Your Personal Injury Claim?
In the aftermath of an accident, victims often wonder when they will be able to return to work. This could result from a monetary need or the desire to get back to normalcy. Many people resume work too fast as they are concerned about their employer or colleagues judging them for taking time off work to recover from their injuries.
When Should You Resume Work?
There is no specific timeline to go back to work after an auto accident. Only you and your doctor can answer this question, depending on your job profile and injuries. Victims of car wrecks can suffer from the following:
- Physical Injuries
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Ask your doctor how long it will take you to recover. Also, remember that you are allowed to take the time needed to let your body heal. You should resume work only when you truly feel better, and your doctor declares it safe.
If you return to work too quickly, it can have a detrimental effect on your recovery. You may still not be physically ready to resume work, which can worsen your injuries and potentially increase your time away from work. Many people have sedentary office jobs, making it doable to go back to work too soon. However, sitting in an office chair could worsen your back, and staring at a computer screen could exacerbate headaches.
Prescription Drug Side Effects
If you are still on prescription meds when you return to work, it may harm your job performance. Many prescription medications that aid in the recovery of severe injuries may impact a user’s ability to undertake the following:
- Lift heavy objects
- Drive vehicles
- Operate heavy machinery
Will Returning to Work Affect your Claim?
Some people might be concerned about returning to work before the settlement of their claim. They might believe that resuming work indicates that they are completely recovered and do not require compensation for injuries. This is not the case.
No specific time exists for everyone who has been in a vehicle accident to go back to work. It depends on the specific case. Your claim will not be negatively impacted if you are able to get back to work. If you missed work due to your injuries, you could still claim lost wages for that timeframe.
You do have to be better to resume work, but it does not imply that you are fully recovered. Your doctor might clear you to work before you are completely healed, but you might have to take breaks during the day or undertake certain exercises that will aid your recovery. If there was a possibility that returning to work would prevent your injuries from healing, your doctor would not allow you to resume work.
In an attempt to get back to normalcy, people sometimes tend to minimize situations. However, this does not apply to automobile accidents. The injuries sustained in these serious events are more intense than a mere bruise. The best thing for you and the shortest path to recovery is by listening to your doctor and paying close attention to how you feel.
What if I Don’t Think I Can Return to Work?
At times, a doctor gives the patient an all-clear to return to work. However, the victim may feel that they are in excessive pain and cannot handle their work duties. In such cases, you do have the option of seeking a second opinion from another doctor. They may agree with you or recommend specific restrictions on your work duties. Ensure that you get a note from your doctor on work restrictions to present to your employer.
Restricting Your Activities While You Aren’t Working
After suffering a personal injury, your recovery is the utmost priority. Thus, it is vital to continue treatment. But it is also crucial to follow your doctor’s advice on restricting your activities. You don’t want to worsen your injuries or provide the insurance company with fodder against you.
Therefore, limit what you post on social media or avoid posting anything until your claim’s conclusion. If you post images of yourself at nightclubs or social gatherings, the insurer may use these pictures against you.
Insurers Will Investigate Your Medical Treatment
In order to preserve their own interests, insurers will investigate you and your claim. If they find out that a victim initially consulted a doctor but then ignored the professional’s advice, they will try to content that an injury does not exist or wasn’t serious enough to even require treatment. In the absence of any real injury, they will claim that there is no reason to offer damages to the victim.
Speak to an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you have been in a vehicle accident in Georgia, our auto accident attorneys at Stein & Fox can help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries. You won’t feel the financial pressure to return to work too quickly. Our personal injury lawyers will work hard to develop a sharp legal strategy to obtain maximum compensation in your case. Call today at (770) 961-1700 to set up a free consultation with one of our attorneys.