Can I Take a New Job While Receiving Workers’ Compensation?

Navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complicated, with many injured employees not knowing what type of care they’re entitled to, how much money they receive for lost wages, or how long they can stay off of work. The situation becomes even more complex if you decide to start a new job while receiving workers’ compensation.

Learn more about what happens to your workers’ comp if you start a new job. For more personalized advice regarding your workers’ comp claim, call Thiry & Caddell at 251-478-8880 to schedule a meeting now.

Getting a New Job Offer

People often think that getting a new job while receiving workers’ compensation is one of the worst things you can do. They assume that you automatically lose workers’ compensation benefits and that making this choice damages your reputation in your industry.

However, changing jobs is a normal part of any career path. Whether you specifically used time away from work to start your job search or the perfect opportunity fell into your lap while you were receiving workers’ comp, you shouldn’t feel guilty about doing what is best for you and your family.

If you receive a new job offer, you do not automatically lose workers’ compensation. Workers’ comp is something you are entitled to when you are injured at work, and it is not based on you continuing to work for the same company. If you still meet the qualifications for workers’ comp, you will continue to get your treatment paid for. However, unless your new job’s income is significantly lower than what you earned at your previous job, you will likely lose your income replacement benefits.

Protecting Your Health

Above everything else, remember to protect your health during this time. Are you starting a new job because it is better suited for you and safer for your health, or are you doing it because you can’t go without your full income while you recover? If you are still recovering from your workplace injury, make sure you do not slow down the healing process by getting back into a job that puts too much strain on you.

Not only can this worsen your injuries, it could also lead you to lose your workers’ comp benefits. If the insurance company determines that the work you are doing is preventing you from healing, they may fight to cut off your medical benefits.

Alerting Workers’ Compensation

Make sure you alert your workers’ compensation provider right away when you accept a new job. You’ll need to tell them what job you accepted, how much it pays, and when you start. This allows them to adjust your temporary benefits appropriately. Don’t wait to let workers’ comp know about your employment change. This may trigger an investigation once they discover that you have started working another job. Typically, you have to submit documentation of your job change.

What If My New Job is Out-of-State?

You may struggle a bit more if your new job requires you to move out of your current state. Each state sets up its own workers’ compensation system, so the benefits you earn in one state may not entitle you to care in another state. If possible, your workers’ compensation insurance provider may set you up with care in your new state. However, there is no guarantee that this will work—if they are unable to find a provider who accepts their payment in your new state, you may need to travel to your old state to receive care.

If you are able to receive covered care in your new state, be ready to provide necessary documentation. You’ll need written authorization from your workers’ comp provider to ensure that you don’t end up with a surprise bill, as well as copies of your old medical records for continuity of care.

Contact Thiry & Caddell for Help with Your Workers’ Compensation Claim

Switching jobs after a workplace injury may seem difficult, but it’s easy as long as you cover all your bases. If you’re having issues with your workers’ comp claim, we can help you through this process. Set up a meeting now by calling us at 251-478-88880 or reaching out to us online.