Can I Start a New Job and Still Receive Worker’s Compensation?

Collecting worker’s compensation means that an individual sustained a workplace injury and subsequently received financial payment from the employer or insurance company to cover medical expenses. Most of the time, the injury will prevent the worker from returning to the job immediately; this is the reason that lost wages are included in worker’s comp under these circumstances. Sometimes this funding is not enough to live on and therefore it may be tempting for the individual to seek a new job while collecting worker’s comp from the old one. Can this be done?

The answer to this largely depends on the nature of the injury, the status of the settlement, and the discretion of medical professionals. If the injury was severe enough to prevent the worker from returning to work, then the odds are that it is documented that the individual cannot return to work. If such a stipulation exists in the worker’s compensation case files, then a new job may not be started. The same applies if the employee was marked as temporary totally disabled (TTD), or a similar designation.

If none of these statuses or stipulations exist, then it shouldn’t be a problem to begin a new job while collecting worker’s compensation. However, it is best to be proactive in ensuring this. It is a good idea to receive a signed notice from a doctor, preferably the one who treated the initial injury, stating that the person is fit to return to work. It is also a good idea to consult with an attorney if there is any doubt, as this will give you a thorough answer with no liability.

If you or someone you know is dealing with issues regarding worker’s compensation, we at the Franco Law Firm are here to help. For more information and to schedule a free consultation with us, please call (813) 872-0929.