For some injured workers, working from home may be appropriate. For others, returning to any type of work too soon could affect both their recovery and their workers’ compensation benefits.
After a workplace injury, your treating medical provider will typically determine whether you can work and, if so, what limitations apply.
Some employees are completely unable to work while they recover. Others may be cleared for light-duty work with restrictions, such as avoiding heavy lifting, standing for long periods, or repetitive movements.
If your medical restrictions allow you to perform certain job duties from home, remote work may be an option. However, you should never assume you can begin working simply because you’re at home. Your work activities should be consistent with your medical restrictions and your employer’s expectations.
Many people worry that accepting remote work means they will immediately lose their workers’ compensation benefits. That’s not always the case.
Depending on your situation, you may continue receiving certain benefits while performing modified or limited work. In other cases, your wage replacement benefits may change if you’re able to earn income again.
Every claim is different, and the impact on your benefits depends on factors such as your medical condition, work restrictions, earnings, and the type of benefits you’re receiving.
It’s important to accurately communicate your physical limitations throughout your recovery.
If you tell your doctor you cannot perform certain tasks but are later found doing work that appears inconsistent with those statements, it may create questions about your claim.
That doesn’t mean working from home is prohibited. It simply means your work activities should reflect your documented medical restrictions.
Open communication with your healthcare provider and your employer can help prevent misunderstandings.
Many injured workers are eager to get back to work as quickly as possible. Financial concerns, professional responsibilities, and a desire to return to normal life often make it tempting to push through pain.
Unfortunately, returning too soon can sometimes worsen an injury or prolong recovery.
Before accepting remote work or additional responsibilities, make sure your healthcare provider has evaluated your condition and determined that the work is appropriate.
Working from home can mean very different things depending on your occupation.
For one employee, remote work may involve answering emails or attending virtual meetings. For another, it could require sitting for extended periods, typing throughout the day, or performing repetitive tasks that aggravate an injury.
The fact that work is performed from home does not automatically mean it is physically suitable during recovery.
Questions about returning to work are common after a workplace injury, especially as more employers offer remote or hybrid positions. While working from home may be possible in some situations, it should never be based on assumptions or guesswork.
Understanding how remote work could affect your workers’ compensation claim can help you avoid unnecessary complications while protecting your health and your benefits.
At Workplace Lawyers, we help injured workers throughout New Jersey understand their rights and navigate the workers’ compensation process. If you’ve been asked to work from home while receiving workers’ compensation benefits or have questions about returning to work after an injury, we’re here to help you understand your options and make informed decisions.
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