Occasionally, every worker needs a vacation to enjoy some necessary R&R
to recharge before returning to the daily grind. This also applies to
workers who have suffered job-related injuries. Despite being hurt and
recovering, those receiving
workers’ compensation benefits are still allowed to take fun trips with loved ones.
However, there are certain precautions you must take and things to consider
before embarking on your vacation, which include the following:
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You must keep your doctor’s appointments – In order to receive benefits, you must see a doctor, physical
therapist, or any other health care provider on a consistent basis. If
you miss a doctor’s appointment while you are on your trip, or attempt
to reschedule your appointment date, you may lose your benefits as a result.
Your insurer could view these types of actions as a failure to comply
with medical treatment. However, if you are taking a short trip which
doesn’t conflict with any of your appointment dates, you should be fine.
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Understand you are being monitored – Insurance companies often hire investigators for surveillance
purposes, ensuring you are following the doctor’s orders. Sometimes,
temptation gets the best of injured workers. If an insurance company is
informed of your suspicious activity, you will most certainly lose your
benefits or even be charged with workers’ compensation fraud. Keep
in mind, investigators will also be scouring your social media accounts
since many people like to share pictures and videos of their trips. If
you plan on posting your activities on social media, make sure you don’t
share anything which appears as though you are participating in any sort
of restricted activity.
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You need to continue to look for work – Some injuries are so serious that the employee is unable to return
to their normal job duties. While receiving workers’ comp benefits,
these workers may be required to look for a few jobs a week. If an employee
goes on vacation and forgets to perform a job search, he/she may lose
the right to claim temporary total disability benefits for that specific week.
Prior to taking your vacation, it is wise to talk to your lawyer to determine
if you could risk losing your benefits. If you are in the clear, you can
enjoy your vacation without having any concerns.
For more information about workers’ compensation in Texas,
contact our Fort Worth workers’ compensation lawyer at the
Law Office of James M. Stanley today.