Could Return-To-Work Programs Ease the Struggle for Injured Employees?

Each year, some 2.9 million workers sustain a nonfatal injury while on the job. At least half miss time from work, and many struggle with returning. Could comprehensive return-to-work programs help ease their transition, or is it the nature of their injuries that impact them the most? The following explores this option and explains where you can find assistance with a work injury claim for yourself or a loved one.

Return-to-work programs are supposed to help workers transition from injury to either light duty work or alternative jobs until they fully heal from their wounds. Insurance companies responsible for paying workers’ compensation claims are encouraging these programs, saying it improves the quality of life for injured employees and their families. Crucial elements of these programs typically include:

• Creating, establishing, maintaining, and socializing the program to ensure workers are aware of the alleged benefits of the program;
• Early case management to increase odds of returning to work;
• Staying in touch with the worker while they are being treated; and
• Modifying job duties and working around the employee’s injuries so they can return to work.

The real question, though, is whether the programs are more about saving money or treating injured workers. Given that the discussion centers around things like cost-containment, when paired with the overall nature of the insurance industry, suggests that these programs may be more about saving money than ensuring that injured employees and their families have what they need to recover. Thankfully, there are still ways that employees can protect themselves.

If you or someone you love has been injured while on the job, it is important that you take steps to protect your rights – particularly when it comes to your right to compensation. Do not let your employer push you into returning to work before you are ready, and consider having your case examined by an experienced work injury lawyer; you may have options outside of workers’ compensation, such as a third-party liability case.

At Corsiglia, McMahon & Allard, LLP, we recognize just how drastically a work injury can impact your life and the lives of those you love most. Dedicated and experienced, our San Jose work injury lawyers will protect your best interests and fight aggressively for the most compensation possible. Schedule a free consultation to learn more. Call our offices at (408) 289-1417 today.

• Easing the ‘Return-to-Work’ Process for Injured Workers