Generally, injured workers need a couple of weeks and sometimes months to recover from workplace injuries. During this time, they're out of work. This can be a major financial burden given that their normal-life needs and expenses don't go away simply because they're injured.
Fortunately, through workers' compensation, employees injured on the job can receive benefits that help cover their medical expenses and lost wages.
But what happens when workers' compensation ends? Do injured workers have to go back to work? What options do they have? Here's what you need to know about workers' compensation and what happens when it ends.
When Does Workers' Comp "End"?
For most people, this phrase conjures up images of returning to work and earning a paycheck again. However, in legal terms, "the end of workers' compensation" doesn't necessarily mean returning to work. Instead, it refers to the point at which an injured worker is no longer entitled to workers' compensation benefits.
This generally happens when you've reached maximum medical improvement (MMI). MMI is the point upon which an injured worker's condition is not expected to improve further with medical treatment. In other words, they've hit a plateau in their recovery and are as good as they're going to get. At this point, the workers' compensation insurance company will often stop paying benefits because there's no longer a need for medical treatment.
Does This Mean That an Injured Worker Has to Go Back to Work?
Not necessarily. In fact, many workers who reach MMI are still unable to return to their previous job or any job. This is because their injuries may have left them with permanent impairments that prevent them from performing the duties of their old job or any other gainful employment.
In these cases, the workers' compensation insurance company may be required to provide additional benefits in the form of permanent disability payments. These payments are meant to compensate the injured worker for their reduced earning capacity due to their impairment. They are based on a percentage of the worker's pre-injury wages and can last for the rest of their life.
So, to answer your question, "Do I have to go back to work after my workers' compensation ends?" Well, it really depends on your individual situation. If you're able to return to work, then you will. But if your injuries have left you with a permanent disability that prevents you from working, you may be eligible for permanent disability payments.
If you're unsure what to do when your workers' compensation ends, it's a good idea to speak with an experienced workers' compensation attorney. They can help you understand your rights and options to make the best decision for your future.
At the Law Office of James. M. Hoffman, we've been helping injured workers in Missouri for over 30 years, and we're here to help you too. Conveniently located in St. Louis, we offer free initial consultations and contingency fees, which means you don't owe us anything unless we win your case. Call us today at (314) 361-4300 to schedule your free consultation.