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5 Tips for Returning to Work After a Car Accident

Published on Nov 15, 2018 at 7:54 pm in Car Accidents.

While you may assume you’ll be able to return to work quickly after a car accident, this isn’t always the case. Depending on your injuries, doctor’s recommendations, and treatment plan, you may have to take more time off than you’d like.

It’s important to understand that going back to work too early has the potential to worsen your condition. Unfortunately, you can’t rush the healing process. In order to feel comfortable about returning to work after a car accident, take these tips into consideration.

1) Follow up with Doctor’s Appointments

After your initial examination with a healthcare professional, it’s more than likely you’ll be given directions for a treatment plan. You’ll also have to schedule follow up appointments with your primary care physician. It’s imperative to follow the physician’s instructions and attend those appointments.

If you choose not to you may develop additional symptoms as time passes. These will need to be documented so you can revise your recovery plan. You’ll also want to know about these symptoms, so you can report them to your insurance company. The recovery plan and follow up appointments will give you an idea of when you can go back to work.

If you end up neglecting your medical responsibilities and decide to end your recovery plan early, there may be a variety of consequences. You may worsen your conditions or develop a new one. At this point, you may lengthen the time before you can go back to work. You may also have difficulty receiving compensation for your injuries if you go against your doctor’s advice.

2) Document Evidence of All the Symptoms and Complications You Experience

Immediately following your accident, if you are able to, it’s a good idea to record what you’re experiencing physically and mentally. When you report that information to your doctor, they may have an easier time determining the scope of your injuries.

As you begin to recover, keep documenting what you’re experiencing. By doing so, your doctor will be able to help you decide when it’s best to return to work. If you begin to experience complications, bring those up as soon as possible.

3) Prepare Your Doctor’s Note to Return to Work

The doctor’s note you receive will be your ticket back to work. It’s important to have proof of your injuries for your employer. Not only should this excuse the time you’ve missed, but it will help you and your employer decide what you are physically able to do.

Your doctor’s note should include documentation of your injuries, relevant test results and x-rays, records of your follow up appointments, and the recovery plan you’ve followed through on. This will prove to your employer why your time off was a medical necessity.

4) Avoid Going Back to Work Too Soon

There is no right or wrong time to go back to work after an accident, but it’s important to avoid going back too soon. You may be worried about the state of your job or financial burdens; however, it’s more important to focus on your recovery. If you go back to work before you’re able or against the advice of the doctor, you may worsen your condition.

Going back to work too soon can also have an impact on the compensation you receive for your accident. Remember, it’s always best to follow the documented advice of your doctor.

5) Know What to Do If You Re-Injure Yourself or Discover You Can’t Go Back to Work

Even if you’ve followed through with your recovery plan and go back to work at the right time, there’s always a chance you may re-injure yourself or your previous condition could flare up. If this is the case, you’ll want to inform your employer and schedule a doctor’s visit as soon as possible.

If you return to your place of employment and discover you are unable to return to your previous position, discuss the issue with your employer. You may be able to work in another spot until you’ve healed more. You may also want to go back to the doctor. They’ll evaluate your injuries to determine why you can’t go back to work yet. They may inform you that you need to take more time off work.

Car accidents are often traumatic events and should be taken seriously. If you’ve been injured after an accident and are uncertain about the state of your job or finances, an experienced attorney will have answers to your questions. Our Illinois car accident lawyers have more than two decades of experiencing supporting and representing clients in your position. Contact us online today.

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