Learn which activities are okay (and not okay) to do while receiving Georgia workers’ comp benefits so you don’t compromise your claim
Navigating the waters of workers’ compensation in Georgia can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re unsure about what activities could affect your claim. This article aims to clarify the dos (and don’ts) for workers receiving workers’ comp benefits.
Understanding these guidelines is crucial to maintaining your eligibility without jeopardizing your claim’s integrity. Let’s delve into what you’re allowed to do while on workers’ comp in Georgia and how to stay compliant while recovering.
How do I know what I can and can’t do while receiving workers’ comp benefits?
Understanding what you’re allowed to do while receiving workers’ comp benefits boils down to following the medical restrictions set by your doctor and adhering to the regulations established by Georgia’s State Board of Workers’ Compensation.
Medical restrictions are usually fairly clear, but workers’ comp laws might seem more complex. When in doubt, don’t hesitate to ask questions. Maintaining transparency with your employer, doctor, and the insurance company is crucial. This ensures that everyone is on the same page and helps you avoid any unintentional missteps that could affect your benefits.
So, what could cause my workers’ comp benefits to be terminated?
Among other things, your workers’ comp benefits might be terminated if you’re not following medical advice, such as skipping doctor’s appointments, not adhering to physical restrictions, or engaging in activities that could worsen your condition. It’s crucial to follow all medical guidelines and communicate with your employer and insurance company to maintain your benefits.
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How certain medical restrictions could impact your activities outside of work
When you’re receiving workers’ comp benefits, you want to take your medical restrictions seriously, both at work and at home. Failure to follow the medical restrictions given to you by your doctor could result in the termination of your benefits.
Below are a few examples of typical medical restrictions for workers on workers’ comp and how they might impact work and daily life:
- No heavy lifting. If you have a “no heavy lifting” restriction, which typically means lifting nothing over 15 pounds, then at your job, you should avoid heavy-duty tasks like restocking shelves with heavy items, carrying heavy or bulky objects, rearranging furniture or supplies, etc. At home, you should aim for lighter chores and seek assistance for heavier tasks like lifting groceries or carrying young children.
- Limited standing or walking. This restriction could mean you can’t take on roles that require you to be on your feet all day, like cashiering or assembly line work. Outside of work, you should limit your walking and standing by avoiding activities that require extensive walking or long periods of standing. So, while a short leisurely walk in the park may be okay, you should avoid taking long hikes or going to a music concert where you’ll be required to stand for hours at a time.
- No repetitive motions. If you’re dealing with a repetitive stress injury (RSI) like carpal tunnel syndrome, it means cutting back on activities that involve repetitive hand or wrist movements. At work, this could mean avoiding whatever tasks triggered your injury in the first place, like continuous typing in an office setting or working with vibrating tools or equipment at a construction site. At home, you might need to limit activities like chopping vegetables, knitting, extensive typing on your laptop, or gaming (which many people enjoy during time off) to prevent worsening your condition.
Basically, it’s all about balancing activities to avoid straining yourself while adhering to medical advice. In all cases, transparent communication with your employer and medical provider is essential to navigate these restrictions without jeopardizing your workers’ comp benefits.
Can workers’ comp follow you around to see if you’re following your medical restrictions?
Yes, it’s perfectly legal and entirely plausible that a workers’ comp insurance investigator might observe you outside of work to verify that you’re adhering to your medical restrictions. This can be a part of their process to ensure that the claims are legitimate and that the compensation provided is for genuine injuries.
With the cost of a work injury claim between 2020 and 2021 averaging $41,757, workers’ compensation insurers are highly motivated to pay out as little compensation as possible.
If they find inconsistencies between your reported limitations and your activities, it could affect your claim, so you should always follow your medical restrictions closely, both for your health and to maintain your workers’ comp benefits.
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Can you go on vacation while on
workers’ comp?
Yes, you can technically go on vacation while receiving workers’ comp, but it’s important to ensure that your vacation activities do not contradict your medical restrictions or the terms of your workers’ comp claim.
For example, if you have a restriction against heavy lifting due to a spinal cord injury, activities like carrying luggage or participating in vigorous sports while on vacation could breach your restrictions. Similarly, if you’re advised to avoid prolonged standing or walking, sightseeing tours or other trips that require extensive walking could be problematic.
Your best bet is to always communicate with your attorney or insurance adjuster before planning a trip to avoid any issues with your workers’ comp benefits.
Is it okay to use social media while
on workers’ comp?
While on workers’ compensation, it’s best to limit your social media activity or avoid it altogether.
Why?
Insurance companies may misinterpret seemingly harmless posts as evidence you’re healthier than you claim.
For example, a picture of you attending a concert, pushing your child on a swing, or dancing at a wedding despite a back injury, could raise questions about your injury’s severity. Even private settings on social media aren’t guaranteed to be private, and information can be shared or screenshots taken.
To avoid jeopardizing your benefits, you should steer clear of posting about your physical activities, vacations, or even boredom. Consider calling friends and family instead of posting on social media as a safer way to stay connected during your recovery.
If you’re unsure about using social media in your specific situation, consider consulting with a workers’ compensation attorney for personalized advice.
Can I start a new job while on workers’ comp?
Yes, but you should make sure you understand how it could affect your benefits before accepting a new job with another company or a new position with your current employer.
In Georgia, starting another job while on workers’ comp can be complex. If the new job fits within your medical restrictions and doesn’t aggravate your injury, it may be permissible. However, your benefits will likely be adjusted based on your new income.
Because of this, you should always communicate changes in employment status to your workers’ comp insurer and discuss them beforehand with an attorney to ensure you stay in compliance and understand how they might affect your benefits.
Get help from an experienced Georgia workers’ compensation attorney
The reality is that workers’ compensation rules and laws are complicated, and even small mistakes can impact the value of your claim or cause your benefits to be terminated. For peace of mind and professional guidance, consider reaching out to Gerber & Holder Workers’ Compensation Attorneys.
With over 75 years of combined experience, our knowledgeable Atlanta work injury attorneys can provide the support and advice you need to ensure your rights are protected and help you recover maximum compensation.
Contact our office today to set up a free consultation.
References
Workers’ Compensation Costs. (n.d.). Injury Facts. https://injuryfacts.nsc.org/work/costs/workers-compensation-costs/