Can You Receive Workers Comp Benefits After Returning Part Time?

A workplace injury can be devastating, and can leave a worker overwhelmed and confused. The worker may wonder what his rights are and how much compensation is he entitled to. We come across many cases where workers are unsure of their rights if they go back to work part time. The doctor may clear the worker for part time work, but the workers often wonder if returning to work part-time will jeopardize their right to compensation. This is an important question, because the worker is still not working full time and is not earning his/her full wage. The worker may also wonder whether returning to work part time will have an effect on medical benefits.

Another common concern facing workers is if they return to work part time but later realize that they are still in pain and are unable to work. In this post, our St Louis work injury lawyers will answer some of these key questions, and help you understand your rights.

Wage Loss Benefits Under The Missouri Workers Compensation System

The Missouri workers compensation system provides wage loss benefits to injured workers apart from the medical benefits. Although it does not cover the entire wage of the injured worker, but it covers a large part of what the worker would have earned based on the earnings prior to the injury.

For example, if you were earning $20,000 before you got injured, you would receive a percentage of that as wage loss benefit. However, if you return to work on part time basis or on light duty, and you start making $10,000, you may receive workers compensation benefits based on the wage you original earned before getting injured.

The worker will typically be required to report the part time income and the medical status to the workers compensation board so that they can assess you case. The board will determine if the worker is still eligible for insurance benefits after he/she returns to work part time.

If the worker returns to work, whether part time or full time, and later realizes that he/she is unable to work because of pain or other health issues related to the workplace injury, they may have to reopen the workers compensation claim if it was closed. If it is already open, the worker can simply inform the lawyer about his/her inability to work so that they can file the workers compensation claim.

Some workers compensation cases are straightforward, however, if your case is complicated, and you have questions that are still unanswered, you should not hesitate before consulting a competent and qualified St Louis work compensation lawyer. A lawyer from the Law Office of James M. Hoffmann can take care of all the legal issues, and make sure that you receive the benefits that you deserve. Call(314) 361-4300 to schedule a free and private consultation today.