Very frequently injured workers return to work following a work injury. Upon return to work, the worker may still be under a doctor’s restrictions or, because of the work injury, may not be able to perform even one aspect of their preinjury job. If the worker is then laid off, the worker may be entitled to reinstatement of workers’ compensation wage loss benefits.
As long as the work injury imposes restrictions or causes an inability to perform even a single work duty, the workers’ compensation law considers this worker to be at a disadvantage as compared to noninjured workers. This is so, regardless of whether the worker is laid off for economic reasons or because of the work injury, or for any reason (other than willful misconduct).
The fact that the laid-off worker collects unemployment benefits does not preclude the reinstatement of workers’ compensation benefits.
If you have sustained a work injury and have been laid off, give us a call. We can help. Email a Pennsylvania workers’ compensation attorney now, or call us at 724-837-0080 in Greensburg or toll free at 888-534-6016.
For more information on Pennsylvania workers’ compensation, please visit our expansive Workers’ Compensation Information Center or our Workers’ Compensation Frequently Asked Questions.
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For more information on Pennsylvania personal injury, please visit our expansive Personal Injury Information Center.
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