What Happens If You Can't Return To Work After Injury?

When an Injury Prevents You from Returning to Work

Returning to work after an injury is no simple feat. From dealing with medical bills to ensuring that your workplace is safe and accommodating for your newly limited mobility, there are a lot of details to manage even if you are well on your way to fully healing. But what happens if you can't go back to work?

Medical Benefits

The first step when you’re faced with an injury that prevents you from returning to work is to check your employment contracts and see what medical benefits are included. At the very least, employers usually provide workers’ compensation insurance that can pay for your medical bills. Depending on your state and the type of injury you sustained, you may be able to receive more than just medical payments through workers’ compensation, and even possibly disability benefits. It’s important to check with your employer, your doctor, and your state’s labor laws to understand what’s included.

Employment Rights

When an injury prevents you from working, you may be worried about how your relationships with colleagues or employers might be affected, and it’s important to remember that you have certain rights when it comes to health issues. Depending on the laws of your state, employers may not be allowed to discriminate against you due to your injury or to deny you a job or promotion because of it. You do need to weigh the pros and cons of being open about your situation with any potential employer, as some may or may not have the best intentions.

Safety Considerations

Depending on the type of work you do, you may have some safety considerations to make if you attempt to go back to work. You may need to reassure yourself that your workplace is going to be free of hazards that could cause further injury or worsen the injury that already exists. If the job requires you to lift objects or use tools, consider ways that workplace ergonomics can minimize the risk of further injury.

Vocational Rehabilitation

If returning to your previous job isn’t an option after your injury, certain states offer resources like vocational rehabilitation. This is a program designed to give injured individuals the opportunity to receive training and education necessary to start a new career. Their services can include job placement counseling, job development, and job modification to ensure that your new job works for you, despite your limitations.

Reassessing Your Situation

When you can’t return to work due to an injury, you may feel like you’ve lost control of your life. Carefully consider the resources available to you and the pros and cons of continuing to develop your current career or upskilling for something completely different. Consider the impact this situation is going to have on your family and friends and the emotional toll it may take on you.

Professional Support

The transition you are making during this particular life stage may be an overwhelming one and you don’t have to face it alone. Professional counseling or therapy may be useful to help you establish strategies for managing and setting your own individual goals in this situation. The therapist can also provide emotional support and give you the space to express stress, fears, and exhaustion as you meet new challenges.

Financial Discussions

Depending on the type of injury and your financial situation, you may need to consider alternate sources of income while you transition. A financial advisor can help you establish a budget and explain the different government programs available to help you pay for further rehabilitation, if necessary.

Financial Planning

If you can no longer continue in your current occupation, proper financial planning is necessary. Establish a plan that considers the job skills you currently have and the steps required to take to start a new career. Consider talking with other professionals in the field you're interested in and define how you can best utilize your skills to succeed at a new job.

Household Expenses

Not being able to return to work may also mean that other expenses in your household may skyrocket. You may need to consider how you can save money on your energy bills, home maintenance, and other typical home expenses. This could mean downsizing, living in a roommate situation, or exploring other options for additional work.

Help from Family and Friends

Had an injury led you to preventative measures that interfere with your works hours? Depending on your relationship with family and friends, it may be a good idea to reach out to them for moral support and assistance with errands or household tasks. If you're dealing with a long-term injury, more drastic measures like hiring a personal assistant may be necessary. When an injury prevents you from returning to work, it can be scary and nerve-wracking. But the right mindset, an understanding of your rights, a review of medical benefits, and an exploration of your options can help to set you up for success as you transition into your new normal.