Can Returning to Work Too Soon Hurt your Auto Accident Claim?
For many individuals who are injured in car accidents, it is necessary to take some time off from work to recover. But how long should you stay out of work?
Each circumstance is unique, and the answer to this question is different for everyone. In general, however, it is always advisable not to rush back to work too soon as this can be detrimental to your health and finances.
There is a major financial motivation that most people have when they are trying to get back to work. For example, if you are a primary breadwinner in your household, chances are that finances are getting pretty tight without you working. Maybe your spouse has had to pick up extra hours while you have been out just to make ends meet, and you are feeling stressed about the toll that all of this is taking on the family.
When is it Time to Go Back to Work After a Car Accident?
The best answer to this question is, only after a doctor clears you to work again, and even then, only if you feel like you are physically able to perform your job. If you go back to work against your doctor’s orders, it could result in some very negative consequences, such as:
- Re-aggravating your Injury: When you return to your job too soon, your goal of getting back into your normal routine and bringing home a steady paycheck again could backfire if your injury gets aggravated. You might be feeling pretty good now, but you never know what physical movements might cause something to flare up. If your injury is re-aggravated, it could set you back for an extended period of time, and in the worst cases, it could prevent you from going back to your previous job at all.
- Diminishing your Legal Claim: If you are in the middle of an accident injury claim against the responsible driver’s insurer that has not been settled yet, going back to work too soon and without the approval of your doctor could definitely hurt your claim. One way that this might happen is the insurance company could see this as proof that your injury is not as serious as you said it was, and they might give you a lower settlement offer. On the other hand, if you experience a physical setback after returning to work, they might claim that they are not responsible for any treatment you need because of the injury being re-aggravated.
Some injured individuals also run into a dilemma if their doctor tells them they are okay to return to work, but they do not feel like they are physically able to do so. When this happens, the first thing you should do is consult your attorney to find out what your best options are. One possible solution would be to share your concerns with another doctor and get a second opinion. At the very least, you might be able to get some work restrictions put into place, so that you can do less strenuous tasks for the time being.
The bottom line is if you have any uncertainty at all about going back to work after an auto accident, the best approach is to proceed with caution. As much as you may feel like you are ready, it is not worth it to return to work too soon and risk experiencing a setback. Follow your doctor’s advice to the best of your ability; and listen closely to your attorney with regards to all of the legal ramifications of your decision.
Why should you Follow Medical Advice and Follow Up?
Skilled Professionals
Doctors are specifically trained to treat and serve injured and ill patients. In order to become a licensed professional, they have gone to medical school and passed their board exams. It is alright to acquire other’s opinions on your medical situation, but you shouldn’t accept medical advice from anyone other than a licensed medical professional, that includes yourself. Doctors are equipped with the expertise to comprehend what your best treatment options are related to your injuries and any other special circumstances that may exist.
Individualized Treatments
If you follow your medical practitioner’s orders and recommendations, follow up, and let them know how you’re doing, you can offer the doctor insights on what works for you and what doesn’t. Based on your feedback, doctors can customize treatment plans, explore other options, and adjust medications.
Avoid Complications
When a doctor provides an instruction, such as improving the motion of an injured limb, they are offering them for a particular reason; increasing and enhancing the mobility of an injured limb could help in recovery, so function is not lost. Such instructions are critical and must be followed to prevent complications that could have expensive or even fatal consequences. Also, patients must follow their doctor’s orders to ensure that minor injuries do not turn into more serious issues.
Injured in an Auto Accident in Mississippi? Contact the Experienced Attorneys at the Gardner Law Firm
If you or someone close to you got hurt in a car accident in Mississippi, the Gardner Law Firm is here to help. Message us online or call our office today at (228) 436-6555 to schedule a free consultation and case assessment. We look forward to serving you!
