Take charge of your career after a workplace accident. Discuss your physical capabilities with your physician. Advise your employer of any work restrictions. Reach out to your workers' compensation adjuster or case manager for assistance with returning to work or seeking new employment. Keep your options open. New opportunities may arise in another field of employment.
Restrictions
Ask your physician to outline specific limitations during the initial office visit after a workplace injury. The limitations, also known as modified duty restrictions, will assist your employer with accommodating you until you function at your full capacity. Employers want to avoid causing you additional injury; without specific modified duty restrictions, your employer may not allow you to return to work. When you feel capable, request a work slip from your physician allowing you to return to full-duty work.
Permanent Disability
Permanent debilitation from a workplace injury may prevent you from returning to full-duty work. Ask your physician to refer you for a functional capacity evaluation or FCE. During the evaluation a physical therapist will put you through a rigorous course of exercises to determine your abilities. The outcome of the FCE will determine your permanent restrictions. Provide the outcome of the FCE to your employer. If your employer lacks capacity to provide modified duty work indefinitely, search for work to fit within your permanent restrictions.
Rehabilitation
Inquire with your workers' compensation adjuster or case manager about vocational rehabilitation programs. Vocational rehabilitation programs provide you with additional services to facilitate your transition back into the workforce. Companies specializing in vocational rehabilitation provide job search assistance, work readiness training and on-the-job training. Tell your physician to refer you to a physical therapist for work conditioning. Work-conditioning therapy gradually increases exercises to prepare you to return to work.
Job Hunting
Search for a new job if your employer fails to accommodate your work restrictions. The Americans with Disabilities Act prohibits employers from discrimination based on a handicap. The ADA makes it unlawful for an employer to remove you from employment consideration due to a prior work-related injury. Apply for positions where the job requirements fall within your work restrictions. If your restrictions don't allow you to meet the job requirements, the employer may lawfully disregard your application.
Change Careers
Go back to school to learn a new trade. Permanent restrictions may bar you from returning to your current occupation. Change your career to a less strenuous occupation. Seek training in a new field or finish a degree.
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