Getting injured or sick at work is an unfortunate and stressful situation. Most workers in this situation wonder if they’ll be able to work while being on a workers’ compensation or be offered a lighter duty. In some cases, injured workers are not fit to go back to their former jobs thus they seek employment elsewhere. Workers opt for a more accommodating job fit to the physical limitation caused by the injuries or a less dangerous job position. If the worker returns to work after being injured, the employee receives a wage equal to or greater than what he/she was earning before getting injured. In this case, the workers’ comp benefit will be stopped.
Starting a new job while receiving workers’ comp can create confusion and impact the benefits the worker will have on the new job. If you are in this kind of situation, we have these 4 things you need to consider when working a new job while getting workers’ comp benefits.
1. Declare all the income when you file for workers’ comp
Once you receive workers’ compensation benefits, you are legally required to report all your income. Failure to do so will lead you to be charged with workers compensation fraud, heavy fines, and even jail time. So if you are wondering if you would declare your second job, the obvious answer is yes. There is no need to wait for an injury to do this. Do it as soon as you can in writing so you have a clear paper trail just in case.
2. Know that your second job could result in reduced workers’ comp payment
If you wish to keep working and the injuries you’ve acquired does not affect your second job, you should know that your workers’ compensation benefit could be decreased. It is always important to report your second job and get the advice of a workers’ compensation attorney to have a better understanding of your situation.
3. Abide by the physical restrictions in your second job
You will receive a medical plan and see a company-approved physician after you report your injury to your employer. There will be restrictions on your physical activity, something that your employer must comply with. In a similar situation, your second job is a light-duty and doesn’t violate the physical restrictions recommended by the doctor which is okay. Otherwise, if your second job’s duty infringes on the doctor’s orders then expect to be charged with defrauding your employer.
4. Check if you are qualified for workers’ comp at both jobs
This is a limited case but some workers are qualified for a workers’ compensation covering the loss of income for both your primary and secondary jobs. To know if you met the qualifications, meet with an experienced attorney that is knowledgeable about workers’ compensation benefits.
source: https://www.tingeylawfirm.com/can-i-work-a-secondary-job-while-getting-workers-comp-benefits/
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