After experiencing a disabling injury or medical condition, most workers are anxious to reach maximum medical improvement and return to their jobs as quickly as possible. However, going back to work too quickly can threaten your medical progress and your workers’ compensation benefits, so it’s important to manage this transition carefully. Here are some tips for successfully rejoining the workforce after a disability.

How to Manage the Transition Back to Work

Listen to Your Health Care Professionals

Your physician is the final judge on whether you’re physically ready to return to work. Even if you feel capable of working, speak to your doctor, and follow all of their recommendations. Ignoring their advice and returning to work too early risks aggravating your injuries, extending your recovery time, and potentially leaving you permanently disabled. While you should still be able to collect workers’ compensation after another injury, the insurer may deny your claim and force you to file an appeal.

Speak With Your Supervisor

In many cases, your doctor will clear you for light duty before you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. Whether you can resume your previous role or need accommodations for your medical condition, speak to your supervisor to ensure they understand your limitations. If they refuse or ask you to do more than your doctor recommends, a workers’ compensation attorney can help ensure your legal rights are protected.

Continue Your Medical Treatment

Being cleared to return to work doesn’t mean you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. While easing back into work, continue taking your medication, attending all doctor’s appointments, and going to physical therapy.

If you’ve been injured in a work-related accident, you need lawyers who truly care about your welfare. The legal team at Carey & Hamner, P.C. has extensive experience guiding injured workers throughout Dothan, Enterprise, and Ozark, AL, through the system and ensuring they get the financial support they need. Follow their Facebook page for news and updates, visit their website to learn more about their workers’ compensation services, or call (855) 435-4797 to speak with a compassionate, accomplished attorney today.