- June 22, 2023
- Workers' Compensation
If you’ve suffered a workplace injury, you know how important workers comp benefits can be for your recovery and financial stability. But what happens when you’re eager to get back to work despite your injury? Can you still work while receiving workers comp benefits in Georgia?
The answer is yes – with certain conditions. This article will explain to you the rules and regulations surrounding light-duty jobs, second jobs, wage replacement, and more. And if you have questions or need help with your workers comp claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer for guidance.
Let’s explore the various ways you can work while out on workers comp benefits in Georgia.
Your Employer May Assign You a Light-Duty Position During Workers Comp
If your injury prevents you from performing your regular job responsibilities, your employer may offer you a light-duty position. This is a temporary role with adjusted duties that accommodate the limitations caused by your injury.
The goal of light-duty work is to provide you with an opportunity to earn wages and stay active while you recover. However, it’s important to note that the wages earned in a light-duty position are often lower than what you would make in your regular job.
It’s essential that you consult with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer before making any decisions about accepting or rejecting a light-duty position offered by your employer.
What Are the Consequences of Refusing a Light-Duty Job?
If you’re injured on the job and are receiving workers’ comp benefits, your employer may offer you a light-duty position. This type of job typically involves tasks that are less physically demanding than your previous role. If you refuse this position, there may be consequences.
Firstly, if you refuse a light-duty job without justification, it could potentially impact your workers’ compensation benefits. Your employer can argue that since they offered suitable work within your physical limitations, you no longer require wage replacement payments.
Secondly, refusing a light-duty job can send the message to both your employer and their insurance company that you’re not making an effort to return to work as soon as possible. As such, they may view any future claims or requests for additional benefits with skepticism.
It’s important to note that if there is a legitimate reason why the offered light-duty position isn’t suitable – perhaps it requires duties outside of what was approved by medical professionals – then refusal likely won’t have negative consequences. However, you will need an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer to defend you.
You Must Notify Your Employer If You Have a Second Job
If you’re out on workers’ comp benefits and take a second job, it’s important to notify your employer. This is because the wages from your second job may affect the amount of wage replacement you receive while on workers’ comp.
For instance, if you were injured at work and are receiving 2/3 of your average weekly wage in benefits, taking a second job that pays well could reduce the amount of those benefits even if they have nothing to do with the injury.
To ensure that you understand all of these factors when considering whether or not to take a second job while out on workers’ compensation, it’s essential to consult an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer who can help guide you through this complex process.
The Second Job Will Impact Your Workers Comp Benefits
It’s important to keep in mind that if you are receiving workers’ comp benefits in Georgia and have a second job, it will impact the amount of wage replacement you receive. This is because your workers’ compensation benefits are based on your average weekly wage from the job where you were injured.
Once notified, an adjuster will review both jobs’ earnings and determine how much should be allocated toward wage replacement. It’s worth noting that any wages earned from a second job must also be reported when calculating taxes owed on any workers’ comp payments received.
It is crucial to understand how having a second job may impact your workers’ compensation benefits before accepting one or continuing with one while receiving benefits. Consulting with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure that everything is done by the book and protect yourself legally throughout the process.
Failure to Notify Your Employer of a Second Job Represents Insurance Fraud
It’s important to remember that workers’ compensation benefits are designed to replace lost wages and cover medical expenses for work-related injuries. Failing to notify your employer of a second job can have serious consequences, including potentially committing insurance fraud.
In Georgia, insurance fraud is a felony offense punishable by hefty fines and even imprisonment. Failing to disclose information about having a second job could result in criminal charges being filed against you.
It’s always best to be transparent about all sources of income when it comes to receiving workers’ compensation benefits. If you’re unsure about how your second job might affect your benefit payments, consult with an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer who can offer guidance on navigating these complex issues.
If You Change Jobs, the Benefits Will Be Adjusted According to the New Wages
It is important to notify your employer if you change jobs while on workers’ comp benefits. This is because the amount of wage replacement you receive will be adjusted according to your new wages.
When you change jobs, it may impact your ability to perform certain tasks or responsibilities required in your previous job. Your new job may also require different physical demands, which can affect your recovery and ability to return to work.
If there is a significant difference in pay between your old and new job, this can also affect the amount of benefits you receive. The insurance company will recalculate how much they owe you based on your current earnings.
As such, it’s crucial that you let both your employer and the insurance company know if there are any changes in employment status or income level. Failing to do so could result in accusations of insurance fraud.
Let an Experienced Atlanta Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Help You!
Navigating the workers’ compensation benefits process can be challenging and overwhelming. However, understanding your rights and responsibilities is crucial for receiving the appropriate benefits while maintaining compliance with Georgia laws.
If you are injured on the job in Atlanta, your employer may offer light-duty work as an alternative to staying at home. If this happens, it is essential to understand what refusing a light-duty position could mean for your benefits.
Furthermore, if you have a second job or plan to change jobs while collecting workers’ comp benefits, it’s imperative to notify your employer of these changes immediately. Failing to do so could result in insurance fraud charges against you.
Therefore, seeking guidance from an experienced Atlanta workers’ compensation lawyer can help ensure that you make informed decisions about your situation and receive the maximum benefit possible under Georgia law.
Get in touch with us today at 470-518-5026 and schedule a free case review!
