Many workers must return to work each year after getting hurt on the job. While workers’ comp helps during healing time, workers and bosses must know their part in making a safe return happen.
What the law says about going back to work
The law gives you clear rights when you head back to work. Once your doctor says you’re ready, you can return to your job. Your boss must help you work safely based on what your doctor says. This might mean different tasks, new work hours or changes to your workspace.
Here are your legal rights:
- You can stick to your doctor’s limits at work.
- Your boss can’t mistreat you because you got hurt.
- You can keep getting medical care as needed.
- You can speak up if work tasks don’t match your limits.
These rights protect you and your job while you heal.
Your role in a triumphant return
What you do matters when you return to work. Taking the right steps can keep your benefits safe and help you stay healthy.
Follow these essential steps:
- Tell your doctor exactly what your job needs you to do.
- Give your boss all medical papers on time.
- Stay within your work limits.
- Tell someone if you feel new pain.
- Write down all talks with your boss about your return.
Always follow your doctor’s orders about what you can and can’t do at work. If your boss asks you to do more than your doctor allows, write it down and talk to a lawyer immediately.
Your boss should help you return safely, but you need to do your part, too. Go to all doctor visits and try your best at the tasks you can safely do.
Going back to work after an injury takes careful planning. Knowing what you can do and what others must do helps keep you safe. If you’re unsure about your return to work or face problems with your boss, a workers’ comp lawyer can guide you through your next steps.