WV Car Accident Lawyer – Returning to Work
A WV Car Accident Lawyer Discusses Returning to Work after a Crash
It’s understandable to be anxious about returning to work after a car accident. For some, experiencing a major injury can leave you concerned about whether you will be able to perform your job duties. Others might push themselves to return to work sooner than they should. Regardless of how you’re feeling, it’s important to know what important steps you should take before you return to work. In this blog, a WV car accident lawyer discusses some important things to keep in mind.
Follow Your Doctor’s Advice When Returning to Work after a Car Accident
Following the advice of your doctor will help with both your physical recovery and potentially any financial recovery as well. After a car accident, your doctor will put you on a recovery plan that will likely include follow-up doctor appointments. It’s important to keep up with these doctor’s appointments to make sure you are recovering as planned.
If you are entitled to compensation as a result of your car accident, your personal injury claim may be impacted if you don’t follow through with the advice of your doctor. If you have lost wages from an auto accident that was someone else’s fault, a West Virginia car accident attorney can help you try to recover damages for that loss of income and any anticipated future income loss.
Provide Your Employer with a Doctor’s Note
When returning to work, it’s important to provide your employer with a detailed doctor’s note. Your doctor’s note should include any limitations of duties that might be necessary because of your injury. It’s also important for the note to include how long these limitations will exist for you.
In some instances, it may be helpful for your doctor to list duties or tasks that you should avoid. This will clear up any miscommunication between you and your employer. It will also let your employer know exactly what to expect from your return and what type of activity you can and cannot engage in. Clarity will not only help your employer be on the same page as you, but it will prove beneficial in keeping you from reinjuring yourself or slowing your recovery.
Dealing with Reinjury after Returning to Work
If you reinjure yourself while on the job, it’s important to let both your employer and your doctor know right away. Aggravating previous injuries can cause more harm if not assessed quickly and properly.
When you visit your doctor, he or she may adjust your recovery plan and require you to take more caution or observe more limitations. By letting your employer know about a reinjury, your updated doctor’s note will not appear out of the blue and will allow your employer to accommodate you accordingly. Even if it’s not a full-blown reinjury, letting your employer know about any new or persistent pain associated with your injury will allow you both to stay on the same page.
Don’t Rush Recovery after a WV Car Accident
After an accident, you might feel pressured to get back to work for financial reasons or because of concerns about keeping your job. However, if you return earlier than recommended, your recovery could be at risk. You could be a liability to your employer, especially if you don’t disclose the extent of your injuries to them. Returning to work sooner than you should is not only unwise, it can open up a slew of unintended consequences for both you and your employer.
Speak with a WV Car Accident Lawyer
You are entitled to certain rights and protections when you are returning to work after a car accident. In many instances, you’re required to follow through on your medical and employment obligations in order to receive compensation for your injuries. Lost wages from an auto accident can be recovered from the negligent driver as part of your car accident settlement or judgment.
At Burke, Schultz, Harman & Jenkinson, our dedicated team of attorneys will help you navigate the nuances associated with returning to work after a car accident. Contact us today to speak with a WV car accident lawyer who can give you guidance on your case. Call 304-263-0900 or complete this online contact form to schedule a consultation.
