If you’ve been injured at work and receive workers’ compensation benefits in Pennsylvania, you might consider changing jobs for various reasons. Perhaps you’re seeking better opportunities, need to relocate, or want a position accommodating your medical restrictions. However, changing jobs while on workers’ compensation requires careful consideration to protect your benefits.
Avoid losing workers’ compensation benefits by making employment changes without legal guidance. The experienced Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorneys at Munley Law have protected injured workers’ rights for over 65 years. Call us today for a free consultation to discuss your specific situation.
How Changing Jobs Affects Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits
When considering a new job while receiving workers’ compensation in Pennsylvania, understanding how this transition affects your benefits is essential. Changing employers doesn’t automatically terminate your workers’ compensation claim, but it can impact various aspects of your benefits. Here’s what you need to know about how changing jobs affects your medical coverage and wage loss benefits:
- Medical Benefits Will Continue: Your right to medical treatment comes from when your work injury occurred. Even if you change jobs, your former employer’s insurance must continue paying for reasonable and necessary medical treatment related to your work injury. This means you can change employers without losing medical coverage for your injury.
- Impact on Wage Loss Benefits: If you’re receiving wage loss benefits, changing jobs could affect these payments depending on your situation. Before making any employment changes, consult a workers’ compensation attorney to understand how your benefits might be impacted.
Important Steps When Changing Jobs While on Workers’ Comp in PA
Making a smooth transition to a new job while protecting your workers’ compensation benefits requires careful planning and communication with all parties involved. Taking these essential steps will help ensure your rights remain protected and your benefits continue without interruption throughout your employment change:
- Get Medical Clearance: Have your doctor review the new job description and provide written confirmation that you can safely perform the work with or without accommodations.
- Notify the Insurance Company: Inform your workers’ compensation insurance carrier about your employment change, including when you’ll start the new position, what duties you’ll be performing and how much you will be earning.
- Complete Required Paperwork: The insurance company may require you to complete specific forms regarding your employment change. Submit all paperwork promptly to avoid benefit interruptions.
- Consider Settlement Options: Before changing jobs, discuss with your attorney whether negotiating a lump sum settlement might be advantageous. Many injured workers prefer to settle their claims before making significant employment changes.
Discuss Restrictions with Your Workers’ Comp Doctor First
Before accepting a new position, ask the potential employer for a detailed job description and discuss it with your doctor. Determine if:
- You can physically perform the job given your current restrictions
- You need any accommodations to safely do the work
- The position might worsen your injury or slow your recovery
Taking a job that your doctor hasn’t approved could jeopardize your workers’ compensation benefits and potentially harm your health.
How a Pennsylvania Workers’ Compensation Attorney Can Help
Navigating job changes while on workers’ compensation requires expertise in Pennsylvania’s complex workers’ compensation laws. An experienced workers’ compensation attorney can:
- Evaluate how a job change might affect your specific benefits
- Communicate with insurance carriers on your behalf
- Determine whether a lump sum settlement is advantageous before changing jobs
- Address any retaliation issues that arise
- Ensure all proper notifications and paperwork are completed correctly
Why Choose Munley Law for Your Workers’ Compensation Case
For over 65 years, Munley Law has been at the forefront of workers’ compensation litigation in Pennsylvania. Our distinguished legal team brings several competitive advantages to your case:
- Award-Winning Representation: Our attorneys have been consistently recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, and the National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- Board-Certified Specialists: Several of our attorneys are certified specialists in workers’ compensation law
- Multi-Million Dollar Results: We have secured numerous substantial settlements for injured workers throughout Pennsylvania
- Actual Trial Experience: Our workers’ compensation lawyers are experienced trial attorneys prepared to take your case to court when necessary
- Personalized Attention: You’ll work directly with a senior attorney, not a paralegal or case manager
- No Recovery, No Fee Promise: We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you
Remember, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation claims involve complex rules and strict deadlines. Avoid losing workers’ compensation benefits by making employment changes without legal guidance. Call our experienced workplace injury attorneys for a free case evaluation. Our team is available 24/7 to discuss your circumstances and provide personalized advice.
Considering a new job opportunity but worried about your benefits? Our workers’ comp attorneys can help you understand how employment changes might affect your case and develop strategies to protect your rights.
