If you are hurt on the job, you may be thinking of resigning for one reason or another. Quitting your job can have an impact on your worker’s compensation benefits. While you may lose some benefits, your employer may have to pay others whether or not you stay.
Basic Benefits
With worker’s compensation, you are entitled to three general benefits: medical treatment, permanent disability compensation and wage replacement. As soon as your doctor places you on limited or light duty, wage replacement kicks in. Medical benefits cover all expenses that pertain to your injury. As soon as you are cleared to return to work, you will be given a permanent partial disability rating. The compensation you receive at that point will vary.
How to Maintain Benefits
If you decide to quit your job in the middle of a claim, your employer must still pay medical benefits. You may, however, give up your right to wage replacement benefits. If you are diagnosed with a partial disability, your employer may not be forced to continue payments. If, on the other hand, you are diagnosed with a permanent disability, your employer’s payments will continue unless you receive a lump sum.
Lump Sum
If you do decide to quit and need financial assistance, your attorney may be able to work out a lump sum payment with your employer’s insurance company. The amount you are awarded will vary based on several factors. You or your attorney will have to appear in front of a judge and your benefits will cease. The insurance company will be given approximately 15 days to issue your check.
If you quit your job and your employer refuses to pay you benefits, it is important that you consult an attorney. Call our offices today for a free case evaluation. A member of our team will review the details of your case and advise you of your options. Call us now or browse our website for more information about how we can assist you.
