Those who suffer workplace accidents will typically try to pursue worker’s compensation benefits on account of their injury. Depending on the severity of the injury, when it was reported, and many other factors all come into play to determine if you will receive it or not. Those who receive them are typically not inclined to immediately go back to work or find new work, however, some do. Here we will be discussing the rules of working while receiving workers’ compensation benefits in O’Fallon, IL.
General Rules of Worker’s Compensation
The rules around worker’s compensation can vary given the severity of your injuries as well as the type of benefits you are receiving. If you had a minor injury and are able to return to work, for example, you would likely need to find a less demanding role. You may still be able to receive benefits if you go back to work like this if the pay you will be receiving will be less than it was before.
Can You Work a Second Job?
It is understandable that some may feel the need to work a second job in order to fill the financial void that your workers’ compensation benefits might lack. It is possible that you were already working two jobs when your injury happened. There are some situations where it is ok to work a second job, as long as it does not conflict with your injuries.
Can You Work Somewhere Else?
One thing some people may consider is getting an entirely new job while they are still receiving workers’ compensation benefits. The logic here is if the job you have now would conflict with your injuries, you would simply find a different job that would not conflict with them. Your benefits cannot be canceled just because you changed jobs, but you should be cautious about the type of work you choose to get. If you suffer a back injury, for example, you should not go get a job in construction. Instead, you should find something less demanding. If you take a job that conflicts with your injuries in O’Fallon, IL, it can send the signal to the Worker’s Compensation Administration that your injuries are not severe enough for you to receive workers’ compensation benefits.
What If You Get Caught Working?
If you are found to be working in an environment that conflicts with your injuries, it can have you found guilty of fraud. This can follow with serious consequences and felony charges. This also goes for trying to lie about receiving additional income.
If you need help deciding if you should return to work or not while you are receiving worker’s compensation benefits in O’Fallon, IL, give our reputable team over at the Law Office of Don Cary Collins a call today!
