Can I Work Another Job While on Workers Comp?
On Behalf of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa | May 11, 2022 | Workers' Compensation
It isn’t uncommon for workers to consider a career change or look for a new job after suffering work-related injuries. In most cases, injured workers want to find a job in an industry that’s relatively safer than the one they were in. In other cases, they may simply want to change careers, particularly if their injuries prevent them from working the same kind of job they did before getting injured.
In some cases, injured employees that already have a second job may also consider working their other job while recovering from their injury. Whatever your situation, if you’re wondering whether you can work another job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits in Florida, here’s what you need to know.
Factors to Consider When Considering Working While Receiving Workers’ Comp Benefits
You can change jobs or have a second job, even if you’re receiving workers’ comp benefits from your employer. However, doing so will affect the weekly benefit amount you can receive. You also need to be aware of the following factors:
- Your workers’ comp benefits can’t be cut off just because you changed jobs. On the other hand, your employer is under no obligation to keep your job for you, which means that your job may or may no longer have a job to go back to.
- Your employer isn’t legally obligated to give you alternative work.
- As long as your doctor has cleared you for light-duty work or you take another job that pays less, your benefits will not be canceled.
That being said, if you end up working another job while on workers’ comp, you must understand how this could affect the amount of benefits that you may continue receiving. For instance, although you may still collect partial benefits, they will not be the same as when you initially started receiving workers’ comp benefits. In addition, you will stop receiving benefits if your new or second job pays the same rate as your former job.
It’s also crucial to note that you are legally required to report any income you’re earning from a second job or a new job while on workers’ comp. If you fail to report the income you receive from your other jobs, it can be considered workers’ compensation fraud, which is punishable by jail time, fines, and restitution.
Speak to an Experienced West Palm Beach Workers’ Compensation Lawyer Today
The West Palm Beach workers’ comp lawyers of Rosenthal, Levy, Simon & Sosa understand how confusing workers’ comp laws can be, leaving injured workers with more questions and worry than answers and relief about the workers’ comp benefits they are entitled to. Our skilled lawyers have extensive experience with workers’ compensation claims and are ready to guide you through every step of the claims process.
Call 561-478-2500 or fill out our online form to arrange your free legal consultation with one of our West Palm Beach workers’ comp lawyers. You are in no way obligated to work with us after this free consultation, but it may help you better understand your legal options.