By GNGF Design/Development on September 30th, 2024 in Uncategorized
Workers’ compensation benefits are designed to provide you with financial and medical benefits if you’re hurt at work. Your career may be put on hold. It may even be impossible for you to return to your same position, but does that mean life has to stop?
No.
You can still improve, live your life and may even return to work in the future. In the meantime, if you have travel plans, you may be wondering: can I travel while on WC benefits?
Can You Travel While on WC Benefits?
Traveling is possible, and there’s nothing in the law that prohibits traveling. If you have travel plans, you may go on the vacation that you planned. But this doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t put your plans on hold.
You’re out of work because of injuries that are severe and impact your ability to perform work-related tasks.
If you go on vacation, it’s possible that you:
- Will be accused of exaggerating your injuries.
- Neglect your doctor’s orders.
It’s best to contact an attorney to better understand if your vacation plans may negatively impact your claim or be used against you by insurance companies to stop your benefits.
Contact or call us to discuss your travel plans with an attorney.
What Could Cause Me to Lose Benefits?
You don’t want to jeopardize your financial and medical benefits to travel. Workers’ compensation is a form of insurance, and you will need to prove that you’re injured and are entitled to benefits.
It’s possible to lose your benefits if you travel and:
- Engage in activities that your doctor has recommended that you avoid.
- Miss important doctor appointments, follow-ups or surgeries.
- Post yourself engaging in activities that you shouldn’t be able to perform with your injury. For example, you post a video of yourself running on the beach, but your injuries are such that you should be in a wheelchair.
If you do want to take a vacation, be sure that the activities that you choose will not worsen your injuries or go against your doctor’s recommendations.
Your doctor may say that it’s fine to go on your planned trip, and if they do, ask for this in writing. Travel is not forbidden, but there are things to consider while receiving workers’ comp benefits.
Things to Consider if Traveling While Receiving WC Benefits
If you must travel while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, there are a few steps you can take to help prevent complications with your claim.
- Avoid activities and locations that may worsen your injuries. Remember that the insurance company will want an independent medical evaluation if the outcome of your injury is different from what’s expected, or if your injury worsens. If the insurance company determines that your injury has worsened because of your travel-related activities, you may lose your benefits.
- Follow your doctor’s recommendations. Only engage in activities that your doctor permits. Failing to follow your doctor’s recommendations can delay your recovery, exacerbate your injuries and put your benefits at risk.
- Do not miss any medical appointments. Your health is your top priority. Traveling should not interfere with attending your medical or rehabilitation appointments. Missing these vital appointments can negatively impact your recovery and potentially impact your benefits.
- Keep your memories private. Avoid posting any photos of your vacation on social media. Photos can be taken out of context, even if you are still following your doctor’s orders and being cautious of your injury. Insurance companies do monitor social media and may try to use your posts against you to terminate your benefits.
- Consult with an attorney first. A workers’ comp attorney can help you determine whether traveling is really in your best interest and provide valuable advice to help protect your benefits.
If your doctor advises against traveling, it’s in your best interest to heed their recommendations, even if that means having to cancel a vacation that’s already booked.
Workers’ compensation provides vital benefits that will help cover the cost of your medical care and lost wages. The last thing you want is to put those benefits at risk.
Consult with an Experienced Workers’ Comp Attorney Before Traveling
Whether you already have a trip planned or you’re thinking about traveling while receiving WC benefits, consider consulting with a workers’ comp attorney first.
While you may not be expressly prohibited from traveling while receiving WC, you can put your benefits at risk if you take the wrong steps.
If your travels put the severity of your injury in doubt, you could potentially lose your benefits.
At The Law Offices of Darwin F. Johnson, we have extensive experience representing injured workers throughout the state of Georgia.
We’ll help you understand the potential ramifications of traveling while receiving benefits, how to protect yourself and the best course of action to take.
Contact us today online or call us to schedule a consultation.
