The Risks Of Returning to Work Too Soon After On-the-Job Injuries In Maryland

If you’ve been injured on the job in Maryland, getting back to work may be a sign of recovery. However, for many injured workers, their decision to return has nothing to do with their health and is simply a matter of financial necessity.

Returning too soon can jeopardize both your health and your workers’ compensation benefits. Whether your employer is pressuring you to return or you’re trying to “tough it out,” our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney explains the risks and the options available.

How Returning To Work Too Soon Jeopardizes Your Health and Your Rights To Workers’ Compensation In Maryland

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that over 55,000 Maryland residents suffer on-the-job injuries each year. Workers’ compensation benefits can help offset medical bills and a portion of the lost wages that result, but many employees fail to give themselves the time they need to heal.

Even if you feel up to work, pushing your body before it’s ready can lead to reinjury, chronic pain, or delayed recovery. While employers may push you to return, offering modified or light-duty assignments, if they don’t match your current restrictions or if you’re doing too much too soon, you may find yourself in worse shape than before. Common risks of returning to work too early include:

• Aggravating your original injury, possibly requiring new treatment or surgery;
• Suffering a new injury because your body is compensating for the original one;
• Delaying your full recovery, leading to more time off and higher medical costs;
• Losing eligibility for certain workers’ comp benefits if you re-injure yourself outside the scope of your doctor’s orders or you ignore medical advice.

How To Protect Yourself While Recovering From Work-Related Injuries In Maryland

Maryland workers’ compensation laws can protect injured workers from being forced back to work before they’re medically ready. If your employer pressures you or offers inappropriate work, you have the right to speak up and seek legal help. To protect yourself and your claim:

• Follow your doctor’s instructions closely and attend all follow-up appointments.
• Keep written documentation of your medical restrictions and share them with your employer.
• Don’t accept work that goes beyond your approved duties or limitations.
• Report any pain or setbacks to your doctor and employer immediately.

Keep in mind that if you return too early and are re-injured, it can complicate your claim, affect future benefits, and extend your time away from work.

Contact Our Experienced Maryland Workers’ Compensation Attorney To Protect Your Rights

At Berman | Sobin | Gross LLP, we understand the desire to return to normal after an accident happens. However, pushing yourself to return to work too soon after on-the-job injuries in Maryland can jeopardize both your health and your rights to benefits.

Our Maryland workers’ compensation attorney represents injured workers and provides professional legal representation, helping you get the maximum benefits you are entitled to. If you are unsure about going back to work or have been re-injured on the job, contact us today to protect your rights.

Sources:

bls.gov/regions/mid-atlantic/news-release/workplaceinjuriesandillnesses_maryland

wcc.state.md.us/