When an accident happens at work, many employees wonder if they can just quit and file for worker’s compensation. It is a common question, but the answer is not always clear. In some cases, quitting may help your case, but it could hurt you financially in others.
If you want to know more about Workers’ Compensation Claims’ refer here.
Workers’ Compensation Laws about Quitting your Job
Workers’ compensation laws are complex and often confusing. One question that sometimes comes up is whether or not an employee can quit their job in the middle of a workers’ compensation claim. Technically, there shouldn’t be any repercussions. If you are injured and claim workers’ compensation but then leave your job, you are still eligible for some of your wage benefits. Remember that if you go, you may nevertheless be eligible for workers’ reimbursement medical advantages from your former employer if you had gotten injured at the same time as operating for them. If you quit your job before filing a work injury claim, you can still file a complaint against your former employer and get compensation. Suppose you end your career while receiving worker benefits, and you choose to depart. If this decision isn’t associated with the damage, you are receiving benefits. In that case, the insurance company will also attempt to use the Voluntary Income Protection Limit.
However, in practice, the situation is not preferable to the employee. Generally, quitting your job will terminate your workers’ compensation claim. The goal of workers’ compensation is to provide benefits to employees who are injured or become ill due to their job. If you are no longer working, you are no longer eligible for these benefits.
When someone quits their job, they are typically required to notify their employer of their intention to leave in writing. They are also required to notify their workers’ compensation insurance company. In some cases, quitting your job may invalidate your workers’ compensation claim.
Similarly, if you have filed a workers’ compensation claim and then quit your job, you may be asked to sign a release form. This form releases your former employer from any responsibility for the injury you sustained while working for them. It also removes the workers’ compensation insurance company from responsibility for the damage.
There are many reasons you should not quit your job while pending Workers’ Compensation claim. The following are some key points:
- 1. When you file a Workers’ Compensation claim, you are essentially putting your life in the hands of the insurance company. If you quit, they may decide that your injury is not as severe as you claimed, and they may stop paying benefits.
- 2. Similarly, when you file a workers’ compensation claim, you are essentially asking the state to step in and help you get back on your feet. This process can be long and frustrating, but quitting midway through will only make it more difficult for you in the long run.
- 3. If you have to wait for an approval hearing to get your benefits reinstated, you could be out of work for a long time. You would not be receiving any paychecks during that time and would likely fall behind on your finances.
- 4. You may lose your health insurance. If you quit your job, you will no longer be eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance. It could leave you uninsured and at risk for substantial medical bills.
However, this rule has some exceptions if you can prove that you get forced to quit your job or get forcefully terminated. When done for wrong reasons, this is considered a misdemeanor on the part of your employer.
As proved above, a workers’ compensation lawsuit is tough to navigate. To learn more about Workers’ compensation laws or find out if you may be eligible to file a claim, please visit our website at Workers’ Compensation & Personal Injury Lawyers In San Gabriel Valley or call us today at 626-602-9483. Our skilled legal crew would be glad to reply to any questions you could have.