Can I still receive workers’ compensation benefits if I return to work?

Can I still get compensation benefits for workers if I go back to work?

Yes,

Each state has a system of Workers Compensation Audit for its own workers. Benefits can vary from state to state. My answer applies to Alabama, but it would be similar for most states. Workers compensation systems generally provide two types of advantages. The first is that of medicine. The second is compensation (disability or impairment compensation).

Medical benefits include the authorization and payment of an injury treatment to a doctor/clinic. In Alabama (and most places), even if you return to work, medical benefits continue. So, after returning to work, you should continue to be entitled to treatment.

Indemnity (or disability) benefits are provided on the basis of specific formulas in Alabama (and many other places). If you are unable to return to your pre-injury work, Alabama offers benefits calculated on the basis of certain formulas based on a permanent vocational disability that can be either total (unable to maintain profitable employment) or partial (restricted but capable of performing less profitable jobs). If you can return to your pre-employment job (or to a better job), you will receive compensation based on your physical impairment and/or impairment rating according to a separate formula.

For those without experience, the formulas can be complicated. We often receive calls from other lawyers who lack experience in working comp and who are unable to understand the formulas. So, I would suggest you contact your state/jurisdiction with an experienced work counsel. You can read our Blackwell Law Firm page at Workers ' Compensation if you want some more general information (applicable to Alabama but similar in many states).

For those without experience, the formulas can be complicated. We often receive calls from other lawyers who lack experience in working comp and who are unable to understand the formulas. So, I would suggest you contact an experienced work comp attorney in your state/jurisdiction. If you want some more general information (applicable to Alabama but similar in many states), you can read our Blackwell Law Firm page at Workers' Compensation.