You may receive workers’ compensation benefits in Massachusetts after an on-the-job accident. Can you work while on workers’ compensation? Sometimes, you may continue working in a lessened capacity or at an easier task.
However, you must report any money you earn while on workers’ comp and holding a job may indicate that you have healed enough to return fully to work. Once the workers’ comp system considers you well enough to work, you may no longer receive benefits.
A Boston workers’ compensation lawyer can provide you with more information about this subject. Call or complete our online contact form 24/7 to get answers.
Can You Work While on Workers’ Compensation and Get Benefits?
Technically, in some cases, you may receive workers’ comp benefits while working a job. However, this only occurs in specific situations, and attempting to work while you draw benefits from the workers’ comp system could result in the loss of your benefits.
The Department of Industrial Accidents (DIA) states that Massachusetts may reduce or stop your benefits if you return to work. However, your benefits may resume if you leave your job again within 28 days.
You may sometimes continue working if you find an easier task that allows you to work despite your injuries but does not pay nearly as much as your old position. However, many professionals recommend against taking this step.
What Benefits do You Get After a Jobsite Injury?
Your workers’ comp benefits may cover all your necessary medical expenses and a percentage of your lost pay. Typically, you only receive funds for lost pay if you have to take five or more calendar days off.
You may also receive funds for retraining in some cases after filing a workers’ compensation claim.
Do Your Benefits Decrease if You Work on Workers’ Compensation?
The workers’ comp system in Massachusetts can provide you with benefits that cover a percentage of your lost wages during your recovery.
If you start working again, you must report your earnings to the workers’ comp system, and the system will reduce the benefits you receive based on the amount you earn.
So, can you work while on workers’ compensation? In some cases, yes. However, if you earn enough through working, you may no longer receive benefits from the workers’ comp system.
Do You Have to Report Your Earnings?
You must legally report all earnings you make from working in Massachusetts. You may face severe repercussions if you attempt to avoid reporting your earnings while receiving workers’ comp benefits.
Failure to fully report all your earnings may qualify as insurance fraud.
What if You Have a Second Job Before an Accident?
Many people work multiple jobs. It’s natural to wonder if you can continue working at a second job after sustaining an injury at your first place of employment. Some individuals may continue working if they can perform their second job without aggravating their injuries.
However, you still have to report the income from your second job, which can diminish the benefits you receive through workers’ compensation.
Will Workers’ Compensation Pay You for Lost Wages From a Second Job?
You may be compensated for loss of income from your second job in some situations. Typically, you only receive funds to compensate you for these losses if your second job also qualifies for workers’ comp coverage.
For example, individuals who work for the federal government for their second jobs will not receive extra coverage because that income does not qualify them for additional benefits. Additionally, Federal Workers’ Compensation is not controlled by Massachusetts workers’ comp laws and is usually handled by lawyers who specialize in that field.
You must report the earnings from your second job to the insurance company that pays your workers’ comp benefits. The insurer may then pay partial benefits that cover some of your lost earnings. Workers’ comp does not cover lost pay 100% in Massachusetts.
Will Your Employer Hold Your Job While You’re on Workers’ Compensation?
We know that job security while out on workers’ compensation represents a major concern to many people. Laws in Massachusetts do not automatically require employers to keep your job open while you recover.
However, your individual contract or union contract may require them to take this step. An attorney can review the specifics of your situation to determine if your employer must hold your job.
Regardless, the workers’ comp system will require your employer to provide you with preferential re-hiring treatment after you recover if you want to return to your old career. You can learn more about injuries and workers’ compensation with legal professionals.
Learn More About Working While on Workers’ Compensation
Can you work while on workers’ compensation in Massachusetts? Sometimes, you may work an easier job while recovering from an injury. However, you’ll have to report your earnings, and working another job may reduce your benefits or stop them entirely.
You can discuss your situation with a workers’ comp lawyer from our team at Jason Stone Injury Lawyers. We can help you build a claim as a local law firm, and we’ll guide you through each step of the process.
Find out more by calling or completing our online contact form.
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