If the thought of quitting your job after a work injury has crossed your mind, you’re not alone. Many injured workers toy with the idea of quitting their job in the wake of an injury. Some want to quit because they realize just how dangerous their line of work can be, while others want to quit because they don’t believe they will be able to return to their old job in the same capacity. Below, we explain why you should take a minute to really consider the ripple effects of your actions if you are thinking about quitting after your work injury.
Can I Quit After A Work Injury?
There’s really no reason to rush to a decision to quit your job after a work injury. After all, if you are injured and cannot work, it’s not like you’re going to work at the moment anyways. You may make the decision to pursue a new career path down the road once healing has taken place, but there’s no need to act in the heat of the moment and quit your job, even if you are angry over the events that led to your injury.
The biggest reason why you want to avoid quitting your job after a work injury is because it could jeopardize your right to an injury award. Workers’ compensation is designed to pay two-thirds of your average earnings while you recover and get back to gainful employment. If you quit your job, your employer’s workers’ compensation provider may assume that you have left the workforce or retired. They may also view your decision to quit as a refusal of gainful employment, meaning they are within their rights to stop paying workers’ compensation benefits. Many insurance agencies hope that the injured worker quits, because it makes their job easier and keeps more money in their pocket. Don’t let a rash decision compromise your right to compensation.
If you are considering quitting after a work injury, be sure to consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. For starters, we’ll make sure that you do not act in a manner that could jeopardize your right to compensation. We completely understand if you want to pursue a different career or leave the workforce altogether, but you’ll want to take some specific steps so that you don’t end up hurting any compensation claim.
If you are considering a new career path or it becomes evident that your injuries will not allow you to return to your old position, talk with your lawyer about working with a Qualified Rehab Consultant. A QRC is an individual who helps injured employees get back to gainful employment. They can help you in a number of different ways. A QRC can help with:
- Retraining
- New job training
- Vocational counseling
- Job placement
- Rehabilitation planning
- Return-to-work coordination
- Resume building
- New job seeking and placement
In other words, a QRC can help you recover and return to your old position, transition to a new position within the company, or they can help train you and place you with a different company if you are looking to continue your career in a different field. The expense of a QRC will be covered by your valid workers’ compensation claim, which is just one more reason why you don’t want to rush to quit your job after an injury!
We’re confident that we can help you return to gainful employment with the same employer or in a different field after your work injury, but you need to help yourself and make some smart decisions in the wake of the accident. Don’t act impulsively, and be sure to connect with a lawyer who understands your best interests and helps you get the compensation and additional injury benefits you deserve. For help with any part of this process in the Minnesota area, reach out to Dean and the team at Margolis Law Firm today at (952) 230-2700.
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