In this article, we explain what factors influence taking time off work, supply tips for going back to work and discuss your options for recovering financial losses after an accident.
Factors To Consider About Returning To Work
The amount of time you can take off from work due to a car accident injury can vary based on several subjective factors, such as:
- Workplace policies: Every employer has different policies regarding time off, even if it is for an injury. You should contact your supervisor and your organization’s human resources department to discuss your options.
- Seriousness of your injuries: Most employers grant time off if you sustain a serious injury that resulted in you being hospitalized or disabled in any way, whether it’s temporary or permanent. Though it can fluctuate based on the seriousness of the injury, and serious injuries can take longer to recover from, most car accident victims return to work within a month of their accident. After a car accident, discuss your recovery needs with your doctor and notify your employer as soon as you can.
- Level of suffering and pain: Sometimes car accidents result in emotional distress or physical pain that makes it difficult to return to work. Make sure that you openly communicate your recovery and time off needs with your employer. Depending on the company’s policies, you may have to take unpaid leave as you recover, but in many cases you can recover lost wages through a personal injury lawsuit.
Though it can be less, for most, it takes approximately three days for the adrenaline from the car crash to leave their body, allowing them to finally feel all of their underlying car accident injuries and symptoms.
Tips For Taking Time Off Work After A Car Crash
If you’re involved in a car crash, it often requires taking at least some time off work. It’s important that you prioritize your health while preserving a positive relationship with your employer during this time. Here are a few tips for navigating this difficult situation:
Stay In Contact With Your Employer
Open and consistent communication with your employer is extremely important after an accident. Aside from contacting your employer as soon as you possibly can, you should also keep them informed throughout your recovery process. When injury victims are as honest and helpful as possible, employers are more likely to be accommodating and supportive in return.
Follow Doctor’s Orders
During your initial examination, a healthcare professional will probably give you a treatment plan that includes directions on how to care for your injuries. It’s important that you follow these instructions to the best of your ability to ensure an effective and speedy recovery.
By ignoring your doctor’s orders, you could develop new symptoms, worsen your injuries, and prolong your recovery time. Additionally, going against your doctor’s orders can affect your case results and make it more difficult for you to receive compensation.
Follow-up appointments allow your doctor to reevaluate your recovery and adjust your treatment plan as needed. Aside from giving you updates about your injuries, these appointments also give you a better idea of when you can return to work.
Keep thorough records of your injuries and symptoms after a car accident, whether they’re physical or mental. You can do this by taking photos, keeping a journal and filing updates from the medical professionals caring for you. This information could prove useful for your accident case, but it can also help your doctor understand the scope of your injuries, determine a reasonable timeline for returning to work and identify potential complications.
Ask For A Doctor’s Note
A doctor’s note is what clears you to return to work. It should serve as proof that your time off work was medically necessary, excuse your absence and include other important details, such as:
- Any new, physical limitations due to your car accident
A detailed list of your injuries - Relevant X-rays and test results
- The treatment plan that you successfully completed
- Records from your follow-up doctor’s appointments
In order to fully recover from their injuries, accident victims must listen to their doctor, stay in-tune with their needs and prioritize their health. Even if you’re worried about your financial responsibilities or job security, returning to work too soon could just cause more issues. Aside from potentially making your injuries worse, going back to work prematurely can negatively impact the amount of compensation you’re eligible for after your accident.
Develop Back-Up Plans
Even if you faithfully follow your treatment plan and return to work only after being cleared by your doctor, you could find that your condition flares up or even re-injure yourself once you go back to work. If this happens to you, you should schedule an appointment with your doctor and inform your employer as soon as possible. After discussing the issue with your doctor and employer, you may find that you should work in another position, or take more time off work altogether, until you’ve had more time to heal.
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Recovering Damages, Medical Bills And Lost Wages
Through a personal injury claim, you can receive compensation for any negative financial consequences caused by your car accident, including the cost of medical bills, rehabilitation, damages to your vehicle and personal property and lost wages due to missed work. In fact, you may be able to get compensation even if you utilize paid sick days while you recover so that you can avoid financial strain. After all, it’s unfair for you to be penalized because you have to miss work due to someone else’s negligence.
A car accident attorney can offer a free case review where they evaluate your personal injury case and help you determine whether it’s worth pursuing.
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Contact The Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyers
If you or a family member are suffering from injuries due to an auto accident, you need an experienced attorney that can handle your accident case and offer you excellent legal advice. The law firm of Florin|Roebig values every relationship, even when offering a free case evaluation. We will work with your insurance company, review your insurance policy, and help you get the funds necessary to ease your financial burden so that you can focus on recovering. Call today at (800) 226-6581 for your free consultation!
