Can You Quit Your Job While on Workers’ Compensation?

You can quit your job while on workers’ compensation, but there are consequences. Once you resign, you could lose certain benefits. A workers’ compensation lawyer can help you deal with this and similar issues. 

Before you quit your job while on workers’ comp, consult with Raleigh, NC, workers’ compensation lawyers. Share your legal concerns and questions with your lawyer, and they will address them right away. Plus, your lawyer will help you weigh the pros and cons of resigning before you make your final decision.

Can You Quit Your Job while on Workers’ Comp in North Carolina?

There is nothing to prevent you from quitting your job if you receive workers’ compensation benefits. Before you do, consider the short- and long-term ramifications of your decision. You could miss out on many benefits in the future, including:

Wage Replacement

You receive wage replacement benefits based on your current role. If you choose to accept another job, you may lose these. A workers’ comp lawyer can explain North Carolina’s workers’ compensation laws in depth and help you determine if it is in your best interests to take a new job or continue to get benefits to replace your wages. 

Temporary Disability

These benefits supplement your income, as they give you compensation for lost wages while you recover from your injury or illness. Since you are able to work a new job, your employer can argue that you fully recovered. This can cause you to lose your temporary disability benefits. 

Retraining or Loss of Earning Capacity

A doctor can assign you permanent restrictions that keep you from returning to your current job. In this situation, you could receive retraining or loss of earning capacity benefits. Alternatively, if you quit your job due to non-medical reasons, you may miss out on them. 

When in doubt about the process for workers’ compensation claims and if you should quit your job while on workers’ comp, request legal help. A workers’ compensation attorney can review your case carefully. They can provide insights into how any decision you make can affect your workers’ comp benefits. 

Can You Quit Your Job while on Workers’ Compensation if You Do Not Have Another One Lined Up?

You can, but you risk losing your workers’ compensation benefits. If you do not have another job lined up, you can keep working for your employer for the time being. As soon as you have recovered, you can return to your job in the same capacity you previously worked. 

There are situations where employees cannot recover completely from an injury or illness. For example, a doctor determines your maximum medical improvement (MMI), which is the level at which your injury or illness will not improve any further. If you quit your job before you reach your MMI, you may no longer be eligible for temporary benefits. 

A workers’ comp lawyer can give you details about what injuries are covered by workers’ compensation in NC and other relevant information. They want you to understand what will happen if you move on from your current job at this time. As such, they will commit time and resources to teach you about the workers’ comp process and all it entails. 

Should You Quit Your Job while on Workers’ Compensation?

Every situation is different, and you should consider your circumstances prior to making any decision about quitting your job while you get workers’ comp benefits. Currently, you may receive benefits for your medical expenses, lost wages, and physical disabilities that prevent you from working. By quitting, you could lose these.

If you are not happy with your current job or want to explore new career opportunities, you can still do so while you receive workers’ compensation benefits. On the other hand, you may want to enroll in online courses or pursue other opportunities to enhance your current skills or develop new ones. This can help you if you want to advance your career or pursue a new one.

You can apply and interview for jobs as you receive workers’ compensation. If you accept a job offer, this can compromise your ability to get workers’ comp benefits moving forward. To determine the best course of action, meet with a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss your options in detail. 

Get Help from Workers’ Compensation Lawyers Who Protect Your Legal Rights

Workers’ compensation is a complicated system, and your employment status can impact your eligibility for workers’ comp benefits. Instead of making a rash decision to quit your job and potentially lose these benefits, ask for legal help. A workers’ comp lawyer can evaluate your case and help you make an informed decision on what to do next. 

The Whitley Law Firm has more than nine decades of legal experience. Our lawyers know the ins and outs of state and federal workers’ compensation laws, and we will share our legal knowledge and insights with you. Schedule a consultation with our attorneys.