After a crash, you may be concerned about missing work to recover from your injuries. You may be worried about whether you will be able to return to work in the same capacity as before. Many crash victims return to work too soon because they feel that they cannot afford to take the time off. Victims may even feel pressure from their employers to return for fear of losing their job.
Returning to work before you have properly healed may not only prolong your recovery, it can also affect obtaining fair compensation in a claim. Fortunately, there are certain steps you can take to help protect yourself in this scenario.
The initial consultation is free with no upfront fees involved. We only get paid if we help you recover compensation. We are available 24/7 to take your call.
Call (866) 320-4770 to talk to a lawyer today.
Push Back From the Insurance Company
If you are injured in a crash in Ontario, your own insurance company will be responsible for paying for your losses, regardless of who caused the crash.
If your injury claim exceeds your policy limits, you may be eligible to make a claim against the at-fault driver and his or her insurance company.
Insurance companies, however, use different tactics to avoid paying out compensation. The insurance company will be looking at everything you do. They will try to find anything to use against you to devalue or deny your claim.
If you are seeking compensation for medical costs but you return to work earlier than expected, you may get push back from the insurance company.
Risks of Returning to Work Too Soon
Crash victims may decide to return to work earlier than recommended because they have bills to pay and other financial obligations. Doing so, though, can put your health at risk and affect your claim.
If your doctor says that you will not be able to work for at least a month but you return to work two weeks later, this does not mean that your injury is healing better than expected. The insurance company will likely see this as you not taking your recovery seriously and may refuse to pay for your treatment.
Abiding by your doctor’s orders can help show that you are committed to healing. We understand crash victims want to return to normalcy sooner rather than later. However, if you do not attend a doctor’s appointment or delay or ignore recommended treatments, the insurance company will take notice.
You do not want the insurance company to think that you are prolonging the healing process on purpose to keep from working or to perhaps get more compensation from them.
Returning to work too soon before you have properly healed could worsen an existing injury and hinder your recovery. Some injuries after a crash are not immediately apparent. Your doctor will be able to get a better understanding of how your injury is healing and when it is best for you to return to work.
Following your doctor’s advice is important for your well-being and if you want to obtain the maximum compensation possible for your claim. Remember, the insurance company will do whatever it takes to offer you less.
This is why you need an experienced lawyer by your side. He or she can help advocate for your best interests and negotiate for the compensation you need.
Protecting Yourself in This Scenario
Be sure to document all of your injury symptoms – both physically and mentally. This information can be valuable to your claim and allow your doctor to put together a better recovery plan.
Document the pain and feelings you are experiencing throughout your recovery. This could help you keep track of complications that may arise and allow your doctor to make necessary changes to your treatment.
Make sure your doctor describes any limitations you may have on the job. This information can help your employer to adjust your workload accordingly. It will also make it harder for the insurance company to refute your claim if you listen to your doctor and attend your follow-up appointments.
Contact Our Legal Team to Get Started
At Greg Monforton & Partners, we understand how missing work to heal after a crash can cause a financial burden. However, it is important for your future and your recovery to not rush your return to work.
A Windsor-based car crash lawyer is ready to help you pursue compensation for your injury-related expenses. We have successfully recovered $300 million for our clients. The initial consultation comes at no cost or obligation to you.
Legal help you can trust. Ph: (866) 320-4770