Content reviewed by:
Alex Shulman
If your workers’ compensation doctor tries to send you back to work before you feel like you’ve recovered, you can reach out to a New York workers’ compensation lawyer for help discussing your legal options.
An attorney from Shulman & Hill Injury Lawyers can help you understand what you need to do to protect your ability to get compensation after an accident at work. An attorney can also discuss options like getting a health assessment from another doctor after a workplace accident.
What to Do If Your Workers’ Comp Doctor Sends You Back to Work Too Soon
If your workers’ comp doctor tries to send you back to work too soon, you may need to get a second opinion from another doctor. However, getting another diagnosis may prove challenging, especially if you do not have help from a skilled personal injury attorney.
Additionally, you cannot always seek a second opinion, especially if your employer, an authorized medical provider, or insurance company has already become involved in your claim. You may have a chance to request a second opinion if you need an attorney to:
- Clarify your diagnosis
- Make a treatment recommendation
- Assist with a disability rating
- Handle a work release
An attorney from Shulman & Hill can explain your options as you deal with challenging legal matters after an accident at work.
How Long Can You Stay Off Work After an Accident?
The amount of time you can take off work after getting hurt on the job will vary based on the severity of your injuries. Doctors do not give all injured workers the same amount of time to recover.
For example, if you broke your leg and work a very physically demanding job, you may need several months away from your job to recover. Other injuries could require far less recovery time.
An attorney from the team at Shulman & Hill can give you more information about the amount of time you may qualify to take off after you reach out for help.
Workers’ Comp Will Not Cover All Your Lost Pay While You’re Injured
The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board will pay for a percentage of your lost wages while you’re off work and healing. You cannot expect the system to cover 100% of your losses, even before the doctor says you need to go back to work.
You may qualify to seek additional compensation for your lost pay if your lawyer can show that a third party caused your accident. Your lawyer may also help you get funds to cover your medical expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and other losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Opinions of Workers’ Comp Doctors
The team at Shulman & Hill can answer any questions you have if your workers’ comp doctor sends you back to work too soon. For example, you can turn to the law firm for answers to questions like:
Do I Need Approval to See a Second Doctor After an Accident at Work?
You may need to get approval before you request a second opinion after getting hurt at work. Your attorney can assess your situation and help you understand if you need to secure approval for a visit before you pay extra money to talk to another medical professional.
Which Doctor Will the Workers’ Comp System Listen To?
In many cases, the workers’ comp system will want to rely on the doctor it picked to assess your condition. Your attorney can give you more information about what the workers’ compensation system is looking for when it comes to making a decision about your case.
Can I Refuse to Go Back to Work Regardless of What the Workers’ Comp Doctor Says?
A doctor cannot forcibly make you return to your job after an accident at work. However, if a workers’ comp doctor says you’re ready to go back to work, it will impact your workers’ comp benefits.
The workers’ comp system will stop providing you with funds to cover your lost income once a medical professional deems you ready to go back to your career. You can learn more about this decision by reaching out to your attorney for help.
We’re Here to Help with Your Workers’ Comp Claim in New York
Are you wondering about what happens if your workers’ comp doctor sends you back to work too soon? Our team at Shulman & Hill understands this concern and the stress you may experience if you feel like you have to return to work before you’re recovered because you’re worried about losing your benefits.
We’re ready to discuss your options and to ensure you understand your rights through the workers’ comp system. We have over 200 years of combined legal experience, and we’re ready to fight for you every step of the way.
Find out more about how we can help with your situation by reaching out now for a free consultation.
