Can you work while on workers’ compensation? As you recover from your work injury, you may wish to take a second job or perform light duties to maintain your livelihood. You probably wonder whether this is legal or if you will be committing workers’ compensation fraud. If you get a job, should you inform the insurance company of your work activities? Will they construe this as a sign that you are fit enough to resume your normal job and terminate your payments? Read on to find out.
If you have suffered a workplace injury in New Jersey, contact a Union City Personal Injury Attorney to discuss your legal rights and obligations.
Workers’ Compensation — Light Duty
Light duty is a type of work performed in a limited capacity that involves lighter and smaller duties. It is commonly offered to employees recovering from a work injury and is applicable within the company where they got hurt. However, it is only possible when the worker has express approval from the relevant health authorities.
If you apply for lighter duties and you gradually prepare to resume your old job, the insurance company might begin to reduce your temporary compensation benefits. This does not apply to cases where a worker has suffered permanent disability, as these payments can be paid out for life.
Second Job While Receiving Benefits
If your employer does not give you light work duties or your wages are not fully paid, you may find a second job that is entirely different from the work you performed in your primary job. The logic here is that you can protect yourself from exposure to the same injury risks as your old job.
In the event you get a second job, you may continue receiving your workers’ compensation benefits under the insurance company policy. Still, you will be required to report the income you earn.
Off-the-Books Payments
During the claim process, you will be required by law to report any additional income you earn to the insurance company, even if it is an off-the-book payment. Doing so will prevent you from committing workers’ compensation fraud, which is often punishable by serious penalties that may include heavy fines and long jail terms.
Workers’ compensation fraud mainly arises when an employee fails to report additional income to their insurance company while receiving temporary disability benefits. Cases of workers’ compensation are either accidental or intentional. To protect yourself, you are advised to consult a qualified attorney before filing workers’ compensation benefits to stay on the right side of the law.
Contact a Union City Personal Injury Attorney
Can you work while on workers’ compensation? While you can work during your recovery, you cannot do so in your old capacity as this will be construed as a sign that you are healed. You can, however, engage in lighter duties, with the clearance of your doctor. When you do, you must ensure that you report all your income or be guilty of workers’ compensation fraud.
Anthony Carbone, a passionate Union City Personal Injury Attorney, has been handling personal injury cases, including workplace injury claims, for over 30 years. Contact his office today at 201-829-3829 to schedule a consultation and discuss your workers’ compensation concerns.
