What Are You Allowed to Do While on Workers’ Comp in Virginia?
Being on workers’ comp in Virginia often means you’re facing a challenging time in your life. You suffered a job-related injury or illness, likely leaving you out of work and dealing with ongoing medical treatment. It can leave you frustrated and unsure about what you are allowed to do while you are on workers’ comp and recovering from your work-related injury.
Ensure you understand your rights and responsibilities during this time so you always follow the proper guidelines. Failing to do so can jeopardize valuable workers’ compensation benefits.
At Geoff McDonald & Associates, our Virginia workers’ comp attorneys can assist with initial workers’ comp claims and provide ongoing advice should issues arise while you’re on benefits.
Ongoing Workers’ Comp Benefits are Not Guaranteed
Receiving workers’ comp benefits does not guarantee that you will continue to receive them indefinitely. These benefits are subject to change based on your medical condition and ability to work. Further, even if you cannot work, the insurance company providing your benefits might determine whether you can work based on your conduct or other factors. That said, there are certain things you can do while on workers’ comp.
What Can You Do While Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits?
While on workers’ comp, your primary focus should be on recovering from your injury. However, some activities you are allowed to engage in while receiving benefits might include the following, among others.
Light-Duty Work
If you have been cleared by your treating physician to engage in light-duty work, you may be able to return to work on a limited basis. The key is that the work must be within the physical limitations set by your doctor. Engaging in light-duty work while on workers’ comp can help you ease back into the workforce and maintain a sense of normalcy.
Second Employment
In some cases, if you cannot even do light-duty work at your regular job, you might be able to engage in secondary employment while receiving workers’ comp benefits. However, you must be able to demonstrate the work is within your injury-related limitations, and you must inform the Workers’ Compensation Commission of the new employment. Your benefits might decrease based on your new income, but failing to inform can lead to the complete suspension or termination of your benefits.
Discuss the requirements for secondary employment and the implications on your benefits with your workers’ comp attorney before you start.
Travel
You are generally allowed to travel while on workers’ comp. Whether it’s for medical appointments or personal reasons, you have the freedom to move around. However, your employer or insurance company may be watching to ensure that your activities align with your reported limitations. If your travel activities do not correlate with your injuries and limitations, your benefits can be called into question.
Activities Outside Medical Guidelines Can Jeopardize Your Benefits
Engaging in activities that are not in line with your medical restrictions can put your workers’ comp benefits at risk. Insurance companies often conduct surveillance to monitor your activities and may use any evidence of non-compliance to deny your claim or terminate your benefits. Follow your doctor’s orders and refrain from activities that could undermine your recovery process.
Discuss Any Concerns with a Virginia Workers’ Comp Attorney
If you have been injured at work and are currently on workers’ comp in Virginia, you need to understand your rights and responsibilities. At Geoff McDonald & Associates, we help injured workers through the workers’ comp system from start to finish. Our Virginia workers’ compensation lawyers are ready to provide advice and representation to secure and maintain the benefits you deserve.
Contact us online or call 804-888-8888 to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your rights on workers’ comp in Virginia.