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Do I Need A Doctor’s Approval to Return to Work?
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Do I need a doctor’s approval to return to work?
Yes, a doctor should approve your return to work. Your primary physician should determine whether you have recovered completely and when it is safe for you to resume work on a part-time or full-time basis.
If your doctor has cleared you to return to work, you must do so. Otherwise, you may lose your right to receive any workers’ compensation benefits you may still be eligible to get. The same holds when the doctor decides you can return to work with light-duty restrictions.
It is possible to challenge a doctor’s decision under certain circumstances. For example, you may feel you have not yet fully recovered from your injuries. There are several risks involved with returning to work too soon. You could re-injure yourself or suffer another injury of a different kind.
As long as your ability to work is hindered by a job-related injury, your employer’s insurance company has to continue your workers’ compensation payments. However, it is not uncommon for the insurance company’s doctor to push you to return to work prematurely to stop paying you full benefits.
In such situations, be sure to consult a New Jersey workers’ compensation attorney right away. The Todd J. Leonard Law Firm is ready to stand up for your rights and deal with insurance companies on your behalf.
Other Workers’ Compensation FAQs:
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- What Does AWW Mean Under Workers’ Comp? (Average Weekly Wage)
- What Does FCE Mean Under Workers’ Comp? (Functional Capacity Evaluation)
- What Does IME Mean in Workers’ Comp? (Independent Medical Examination)
- What Does MMI Mean in Workers’ Comp? (Maximum Medical Improvement)
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Being injured or having a family member injured can have serious and lifelong consequences. We can try to ease the burden. Contact us today to learn more about how our team of experienced New Jersey accident attorneys can support you through these challenging times.