While you can quit your job and potentially still receive some workers’ compensation benefits, the amounts and types of benefits you are entitled to receive may decrease if you decide to quit your job while your claim is ongoing.
Before you make any big decisions about your employment status, it’s important to understand how quitting your job could affect your Arizona workers’ compensation benefits, including wage replacement benefits, temporary disability benefits, and permanent disability benefits.
If you have questions about how quitting your job will affect your workers’ compensation benefits, please call Matt Fendon Law Group at (800) 229-3880.
Can You Still Get Workers’ Comp After Quitting?
The short answer is: Yes.
When you are hurt on the job, your employer is considered legally responsible for any medical costs you incur for a qualifying work-related injury.
This obligation applies whether or not you continue working for the company.
Your employer’s insurance company should cover any medical expenses you incur after a workplace injury, even if you switch jobs.
Resigning While on Workers’ Compensation: What Happens?
In most workers’ compensation claims, workers who cannot return to work for a significant period can receive benefits for a portion of their lost wages.
However, these lost-wage benefits are typically provided with the understanding that the employee will return to work as soon as possible.
If you resign while receiving workers’ compensation, your weekly disability benefits may be cut off, even if you are still entitled to coverage for your medical expenses.
Depending on your reasons for resigning, it may be better to wait until your claim is resolved before quitting.
Can You Apply for Another Job While on Workers’ Comp?
Nothing can stop you from applying to other jobs while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, but accepting a new job offer could affect the value of your benefit payments. This is because when you start a new job, you must report your wages to your former employer’s workers’ comp insurance carrier.
If your new job pays less than your old job, you could still receive a portion of your weekly disability benefits. However, if the new job pays more, the insurance company may use this as an excuse to discontinue your weekly benefit payments.
If I Voluntarily Resign, Will It Affect My Workers’ Compensation Claim?
Yes, if your employer offers light-duty work after your injury and you choose to find a new job instead, your employer will have the right to terminate your weekly benefits.
If you sustained catastrophic injuries that will prevent you from finding other employment in the future, you likely have grounds for a permanent disability claim once you reach maximum medical improvement.
In addition, if you voluntarily resign before settling, your former employer could contest your right to permanent and total disability benefits.
It could also affect your right to receive unemployment benefits.
Do I Need a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer in Arizona?
The worst thing you can do in an Arizona workers’ compensation claim is rush.
While there are important deadlines to remember, it’s incredibly easy to overlook valuable benefits when hurrying to settle your claim or quit your job.
At Matt Fendon Law Group, our experienced Arizona lawyers will work relentlessly to protect your rights and help you seek the compensation you deserve for your workers’ comp case.
If you’re considering quitting while receiving workers’ comp benefits, call us at (800) 229-3880 or contact us for legal advice in a free consultation with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney.
