The Inner Workings of a Law Firm

The Inner Workings of a Law Firm

Navigating A Suspension Of Your Workers' Compensation Benefits

by Jo Rodriquez

Many people injured in accidents that occur at the workplace find themselves relying on workers' compensation payments in order to make ends meet. If you are hoping to return to work on a conditional basis after spending some time on workers' compensation, then you may want to speak with your employer about petitioning for a suspension of benefits.

Here are three things that you need to know about the suspension process to ensure that your rights are protected.

1. Work with your attorney to ensure the suspension is feasible.

On order for you to remain eligible for workers' compensation benefits in the future, you must adhere to the stipulations set forth in the suspension of benefits that you and your employer agree upon.

Because these stipulations play a critical role in your future financial status, you should work closely with your attorney to ensure they are feasible. Some common stipulations include the receipt of ongoing medical care and a willingness to submit to routine examinations by an independent physician.

2. Keep detailed medical records.

Although a suspension of your workers' compensation benefits allows you to return to work in order to generate an income, your employer is still responsible for covering any ongoing medical costs that relate to the treatment of your injuries.

Because your employer will be footing the bill for your medical care, it's essential that you keep detailed medical records while your workers' compensation benefits are on suspension. Having access to detailed records will allow you to take legal action if your employer tries to avoid making payment for your medical care.

3. Don't sign anything without consulting with your attorney.

Some employers will try to use a suspension of benefits to get you to admit to the fact that you are fully healed and ready to return to work on a non-conditional basis. If you are presented paperwork by your employer, it's vital that you have your attorney review these documents before you agree to sign them.

Having your attorney look over any documents you are being asked to sign will help you avoid unknowingly releasing your employer of any liability for future workers' compensation benefits you may be entitled to.

Navigating a suspension of benefits can be challenging for employees who are receiving workers' compensation payments. Be sure that a suspension of benefits doesn't put your rights in jeopardy by having your attorney evaluate the stipulations of the suspension, keeping detailed medical records, and avoiding the signing of any documents without your attorney's approval. For more information, contact companies like Hardee and Hardee LLP.


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About Me

The Inner Workings of a Law Firm

We all know that lawyers are professionals who help people interpret and work with the law, but do you know how a law firm works from the inside out? I am a professional paralegal, and I have worked in both large and small law firms during my career. I can tell you that a successful law firm needs more than just lawyers to keep it running smoothly, and sometimes things can get really crazy! Take a tour through a law firm in my blog, and find out what really goes on behind the scenes of an active and successful law firm.