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Spanish A workplace injury or illness can limit your physical ability and mobility. If you feel up to traveling for a vacation or any other reason, there is no law that prevents you from doing so. However, it could have negative implications for your case. For example, it might hinder your recovery if you have to miss medical appointments and/or detract from your claim if your employer raises an objection.
You should not have to give up every enjoyable part of your life because of a workplace injury. If you already had travel plans before you were injured or are looking forward to making new ones, you might not have to miss out on them. This article will cover the pros and cons of traveling while on workers’ compensation.
Traveling While Ill or Injured Could Negatively Impact Your Health
Your reasons for travel and the anticipated length of your trip all play a role in how your travel plans might impact your injury and your overall health. Consult your treating physician about your travel plan and any activities you want to engage in. They can provide medical advice and update or refill any prescription medications you should not go without.
If you have a workers’ compensation lawyer who is helping you apply for or retain medical and financial benefits, they can explain how travel will impact your claim, as well as the view your employer might take on your ability to travel. If you are injured or unwell enough to prevent you from working, they may frown at your ability to engage in other activities.
Schedule Any Travel or Vacation Plans Around Your Healthcare Needs
If your injury is severe enough that your medical team advises you against travel, you should probably take that advice. Travel might also be unadvisable if your treatment protocol requires frequent appointments. If you are taking a weekend trip, it might be okay, depending on your situation. Extended travel plans, though, can:
- Make it difficult to follow through with doctors’ appointments
- Hinder your ability to make specialized or hard-to-get appointments
- Result in a gap in your medication doses with lost or forgotten medications
The best way to ensure your workplace injury or illness is not negatively impacted by your travel plans is to discuss it with your medical care providers. Doing so can carry its own risks since your medical records might subsequently contain notes about your travel plans and the kinds of activities you considered participating in.
Avoid Overexerting Yourself While Traveling
Workers’ comp insurance companies might investigate your injuries and ability to work without notifying you of all the investigative actions they will take. Every state will have its own investigation protocol if they suspect an injured worker of filing a fraudulent claim.
They may collect evidence, including photos and videos that prove you have more physical agility and mobility than you admit. If your travel plans include any type of strenuous activity, they may use the evidence to prove you are able to work, even if in a limited capacity.
Their allegations could discredit your injuries and claim. As a result, your request for benefits could subsequently be denied, or the workers’ compensation benefits you are already receiving could be discontinued. A lawyer can help you avoid these potentially costly consequences and protect yourself from accusations of fraud.
What You Need to Know About Workers’ Comp Investigations
Insurance companies investigate injured employees who apply for or receive medical and financial benefits more often than you might think. Their investigation can include:
- Talking to your coworkers, friends, family, and neighbors
- Monitoring the photos and remarks on your social media channels
- Engaging you in conversation and questions without telling you who they are
There are some actions even a private investigator cannot take. For example, they are not allowed to trespass at your home, lie about their identity, or attach a tracking device in or on your car.
If any of these actions occur, inform your lawyer right away. They will conduct their own investigation and collect evidence that proves your rights were violated.
A Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Can Help You Make the Right Decision
Obtaining workers’ comp benefits can be a long and complex process, rife with paperwork, information gathering, and medical evidence. When a workers’ comp attorney represents you, they can help you navigate the process from start to finish.
They may explain your employer’s responsibilities and your rights as an ill or injured worker and clarify:
- How your decision to travel can impact your request for benefits
- Actions your employer may take to deny your claim
- The risks traveling or vacationing might have on your case
A lawyer can also guide you through the appeals process if your request for benefits is denied due to your decision to travel or for any other reason.
You Do Not Have to Navigate the Workers’ Comp Process on Your Own
No one should be without legal services and support when they need it most. If you decide to hire a lawyer to help you understand the workers’ comp process, many will represent you on a contingency fee basis. Under this payment arrangement, your lawyer will cover all the costs of your case and only receive compensation after achieving it for you.
Contact Our Team for a Free Consultation of Your Workers’ Compensation Case
If you or someone you love was injured on the job, you deserve to get on with your life while navigating your recovery. Doing so can be more complicated than you think. We can help. Our workers’ comp team will explain two important things to know while traveling on workers’ compensation.Call (818) 507-8525 to contact one of our consultation team members at KJT Law Group to get started today.
