When a work-related injury puts an employee out of work for a significant time, he or she may start thinking about getting a new job.
Returning to work may be a challenge because you feel stressed or anxious about what happened. Perhaps you want a safer job or one that is less physically taxing on the body. Maybe you just want to learn some new skills or be challenged in a different way.
If you are receiving worker’s compensation benefits, you may be wondering if your benefits will be affected after switching jobs. This is something you should consider discussing with an experienced Green Bay worker’s compensation attorney at our firm during a free initial consultation.
This consultation is also completely confidential with zero risk or legal obligation. If your claim has merit and you decide to move forward, we do not charge upfront fees to retain our services. Sigman Janssen has a proven track record, recovering millions of dollars in compensation for our clients.
Find out if you have a case: (877) 888-5201
Switching Jobs While on Worker’s Comp
The short answer is yes. You can switch jobs while receiving worker’s comp. Wisconsin’s worker’s compensation system is designed to compensate you for the wages you lost due to an injury, as well as reasonable and necessary medical expenses. It is not meant to keep you from working altogether.
Your benefits will not end just because you change jobs. However, you must be earning less at the new job than you were paid prior to being injured. This is also true if you decide to return to work at your current employer, regardless of whether you are back in the same capacity as before or in a different role.
If you return to work earning the same amount you did prior to being injured, you will no longer receive worker’s compensation benefits.
If you switch jobs and still qualify for benefits, you could receive two-thirds of the difference between your pre-injury and post-injury wages, subject to a maximum limit.
Any Disadvantages with Changing Jobs?
You are responsible for keeping your career moving forward and opening yourself up to new job opportunities. This includes remaining active and healthy. It is important to return to work after an injury only when your doctor advises you to do so. If he or she says you need to perform lighter, restricted work for some time while you heal, it would be ill-advised not to follow these orders.
Returning to work too quickly can cause you to become reinjured on the job. You likely have your reasons for getting back to work sooner rather than later (i.e. paying bills, providing for your family). However, injured workers should think twice and talk to their doctor before making any big decisions about their jobs.
Could Switching Jobs Delay Settling a Claim?
Most worker’s compensation claims are settled as opposed to an employer paying out benefits over an extended period. If you stay at your current job, your employer may be more willing to settle so he or she can avoid paying out future claims on the same injury. On the other hand, if you decide to leave and take a new job, your employer may not be so quick to settle your claim.
Ultimately, the decision is up to you, but it is important to be well-informed of the consequences.
What If My New Job is in Another State?
If the new job you are interested in is in another state, it can make things a bit more complicated. Relocating will impact your ability to keep your previous employer and worker’s comp insurer updated, identify qualified doctors and get treatment authorized.
That is why we recommend speaking with a licensed attorney at our firm who is well-versed in worker’s compensation laws. He or she can help you make sure that your medical records are correct, completed and up to date for your new doctor so that you can avoid treatment delays.
Get Answers to Your Worker’s Comp Questions
At Sigman Janssen, we understand how difficult a work-related injury can be both physically and financially. Our firm has decades of experience advocating for injured workers and their families. We know what it takes to build a strong case to recover the benefits you need.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we may be able to determine if you have a case. There is no risk in calling us. We are available anytime, day or night. There are also no upfront fees or obligations.
We are here to help. Call (877) 888-5201