After suffering a work-related injury, many employees look for a switch. They have to consider a career change if their injury prevents them from performing the same type of work that they did before. They mainly think about going into lower-risk jobs but are unsure if they can. This article will clear your doubts. So, can you change jobs while on workers comp in Washington? Well, the answer is yes.
You are legally within your rights to switch your job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits from your current income. Some laws still apply. So, taking a second full-time job, or even a second job, can negatively impact your benefit amount.
You Might Get Retained By Your Current Employer.
Your current employer can retain you by offering you a light-duty position. After consulting a doctor, you can perform the same duties if he considers it safe for you. Or you could be transferred to another department with an unrelated job from before.
A company may offer you light-duty work if it has it available. An employer is not required to do so for an employee receiving workers’ compensation benefits.
What To Consider Before Taking A New Job?
There could be financial and personal reasons for switching to a new job right away. Before going to work again, know the potential risks aligned with it. Make sure you are fully recovered; partial healing may likely put you at risk of re-injury.
Your employer is not legally obliged to hold your job for you, so your position may not be available once you have recovered fully. Also, the employer is not required to offer you alternative employment either.
Note if you get medical clearance to work again by your doctor, this could be the best step to take. Since surviving on partial wages can cause financial hardships.
Impact Of Job Switch On Medical Benefits
You don’t want to lose a winning war when you’re almost there. Just because you are considering switching employers should not put your medical benefits at risk. Luckily, the ball is in your court.
By law, an employee is entitled to get the medical benefits whether he is switching jobs or even is terminated. Provided the employer is seen by a workers’ compensation doctor once a year, and the treatment is for the work-related injury.
Consult With An Attorney
Workers’ compensation laws are complicated because every state has different rules. That is why you need an attorney who will best guide you about compensation and benefits.
