Part 1: The Workers' Compensation Process
- How do I know if I Have a Workers' Compensation Claim?
- How Do I File a Workers' Compensation Claim?
- Is There a Time Limit for Filing My Claim?
- What Benefits Am I Entitled To?
- Independent Medical Examinations
- The Hearing Process
- After the Hearing – Decisions, Payments and Appeals
- Finalization of a Workers' Compensation Claim
- Attorneys' Fees
Part 2: Special Issues In Workers' Compensation
VOLUNTARY WITHDRAWAL FROM THE LABOR MARKET
If you are receiving Workers' Compensation benefits and your doctor indicates that you have less than a total disability, that you are capable of sedentary work, or can return to work in a light duty capacity, you do have an obligation to attempt to return to work. If your employer does not have light duty available, you must seek alternate work within your restrictions. If you do not return to work or look for alternate work, the insurance company can request a hearing and ask the judge to find that you have voluntarily withdrawn from the labor market. If the judge agrees, your benefits will stop.
In order to prevent this from happening, we urge you to follow up on any offers of light duty from your employer. If your employer does not have light duty, you should look for alternate work and keep a careful written record of your job search. A job inquiry form has been included in your Lewis & Lewis folder so you can document your job search.