Can I Get a New Job While on Workers’ Comp?
If you’ve been injured on the job in Oregon, workers’ compensation can be a very valuable form of financial assistance that covers your medical bills and helps you get by while you are out of work. Some injured workers may be unable to return to their former job or may wish to seek employment elsewhere for various reasons.
If you are considering starting a new job while receiving workers’ compensation, it can create a lot of confusion about the impact the new job will have on your benefits. You may be accepting a position that is more accommodating to your physical limitations caused by your injuries, or you might be choosing a position that is less dangerous or more fitting to your needs or lifestyle.
Regardless of your reasons, it is important to consider how a new job might affect your workers’ compensation benefits in Oregon. We’ve included some important information here to help you understand the impact a job transition might have.
Effects of a New Job on Workers’ Comp Benefits
Your workers’ compensation benefits are paid to you because of your inability to return to work, so starting a new job will frequently mean the end of the workers’ compensation benefits as soon as you start working again – even if it is with a different employer. When you quit your job, you could still be entitled to time loss benefits if your doctor has you on limited duty.
You must report your new earnings to the workers’ compensation insurance company. You could still receive partial disability benefits if you are earning less than what you were earning at your former job. The insurance company will assume you are making the same amount if you do not inform them otherwise.
Vocational Benefits in Workers’ Comp Claims
When a person cannot find a new job that pays at least 80% of their pre-injury wages, they may be entitled to vocational benefits that include such services as on-the-job-training, formal training in a classroom, or training at a vocational center. These programs may last up to 21 months and an insurer pays time-loss benefits while you are in the program.
There can also be four months of job placement assistance after the program has concluded. When an insurance company is attempting to settle a workers’ compensation case, vocational benefits may be included to increase the value of the settlement.
Contact a Portland Workers’ Compensation Attorney Today
If you are considering a taking new job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Oregon, do not make any moves without fully understanding all of the consequences. Instead, contact the Oregon worker’s compensation attorney at Jodie Anne Phillips Polich, P.C.
Our firm can help you understand your rights to workers’ compensation and how accepting a new position might impact your finances. We can provide you with a complete evaluation of your situation as soon as you call us or contact us online to take advantage of a free consultation.
Jodie Anne Phillips Polich has been serving the needs of injured workers since 1993 and has developed a statewide reputation for the quality of her work.