You’re bound to have many questions after a car accident, such as ‘Who covers the costs of my injuries?’ and ‘How much do car accident lawyers charge?’ Still, if there’s one question that may plague your mind more than others, it’s ‘How will I keep my job when I’ve been seriously injured in a car accident?
Thinking about how to earn a living while healing from your injuries should be the last thing on your mind. Still, if you need reassurance, you may find the answers you seek in this guide below:
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Put Your Health and Recovery First
Before you even start thinking about how much work you’ve left incomplete, who will do your job, and whether you will still have a job to go back to, it’s crucial to prioritize your health and recovery. When you don’t put your health and recovery first and fail to follow your doctor’s orders, you risk worsening your condition and being unable to return for longer than anticipated.
As part of your healing journey, keep all treatment notes and medical records to justify your time off work. You should also ask your healthcare provider for a detailed recovery plan. This helps your employer understand the likely timeline for returning to work and any restrictions that may be in place.
Finally, be honest with your employer about your limitations. For example, if your job involves heavy lifting, you may need to delegate this task to someone else to reduce the risk of reinjury.
Communicate with Your Employer
Just as clear communication is vital during everyday business operations, it’s also crucial when you’ve been involved in a serious car accident and will be off work to recover. As soon as you’re in a position to do so, notify your employer about the accident and your expected time off.
In an email or letter, explain the type of injuries you have, what healthcare providers recommend, and your anticipated return-to-work timeframe. If anything changes during your healing journey, inform them as soon as possible. Be professional, polite, and keep track of all communications.
Research Laws in Your State
When you rely on the income you get from your job to support yourself and your family, it’s only natural to be fearful of what happens next. You don’t want your injuries to be the reason you lose your job and primary source of income. That’s why it’s so important to understand your legal protections. What these are can depend on where you live.
If your employer has 50+ employees, you may be entitled to up to 12 weeks of unpaid leave under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA). This means that even though you won’t be paid for 12 weeks, you have that period of time to recover without the fear of losing your job.
In the event of your car accident causing lasting harm, you may qualify for special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act. Accommodations may include remote work, reduced hours, an ergonomic setup, and other accommodations relevant to your line of work.
Paid leave and additional protections are state-dependent. With the help of an experienced personal injury attorney, you may be able to seek compensation for lost earnings and to cover the costs of healthcare and related treatments.
Request Accommodations
Your car accident injuries may be preventing you from returning to work at full capacity, but you may be able to return to work gradually with adjustments. Don’t be afraid to request accommodations if they can be made.
For example, you might request a modified work schedule, light-duty tasks, and work-from-home options. If your injuries have left you not fully supported or comfortable in your regular office space, you may be able to access an adjustable desk, an ergonomic chair, and other similar assistive and ergonomic equipment.
Ask for Remote Options
We learned just how many jobs were remote access-friendly during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many employers prefer their employees to work in an office, you may be able to negotiate a remote or hybrid work arrangement while you recover.
To plead your case, emphasize that you can stay productive while you recover, and that you’ll reduce the risk of aggravating your injury when you’re able to work in your own comfortable home environment. You may also see the value in saying that you’re committed to a return to full duties in your traditional work environment once your injuries have healed.
Stay Engaged
Being away from work for weeks or even months can be necessary for your recovery. However, it also means you risk not being ‘in the loop’ on critical business projects and updates. If you’re at work in a light-duty capacity, stay engaged and demonstrate your commitment to returning to your job. Respond to important work emails and attend meetings virtually. Remaining engaged reinforces the idea that you’re still eager to resume regular duties when you’ve been medically cleared to do so.
Know Your Rights and Seek Help
Not everyone’s employers understand the need to take time off work to recover from accident injuries. Some employers can be uncooperative and even take drastic measures, such as cutting hours, demoting, or firing.
Know your rights and when to seek help. Keep copies of all interactions, including emails, texts, and notes. If you need expert advice, contact an employment attorney or your state labor board. If you aren’t able to return to work in a timeframe that suits your employer, research entitlements like short-term and long-term disability benefits.
Balance Healing and Work
Returning to work after a car accident injury is crucial for many people from a financial perspective. However, it’s not as important as your physical and emotional health. While you work toward being well enough to return to work, don’t forget to put yourself first. If your accident resulted in any trauma or stress, seek therapy or join a support group. You should also be patient with yourself, consume a healthy diet, and get plenty of rest.
It’s only natural to worry about job security when you’ve been involved in a car accident that will see you needing to take time off work. However, awareness of your rights, open communication with your employer, and taking care of yourself may all help you remain employed and return to work as soon as possible.
Featured Photo by NordWood Themes on Unsplash
