If it just happened
Emergency? Call 911- 1If you are in crisis or thinking about hurting yourself, call or text 988. For a medical emergency, call 911.
- 2Ask your doctor for written, specific restrictions: what you can lift, how long you can stand or sit, whether you can climb, drive or use your hands.
- 3Give a copy of the restrictions to your employer and adjuster, and keep your own copy.
- 4Ask your employer, in writing, whether modified or alternative work is available.
- 5Write down every conversation about your return to work — date, who, what was said.
- 6Do not assume your options are over. Ask about retraining or job placement help.
General information only — not medical or legal advice.
Reporting it and the claim process
By the time someone realizes they can't go back to their old job, the injury has usually already been reported. What changes now is the focus: from getting better to figuring out what work, if any, is possible. Keep putting things in writing.
Many states have processes for evaluating lasting or permanent effects of an injury once your condition has leveled off. The names, timing and rules vary a lot. Ask your adjuster where your claim stands and check with your state's workers' compensation agency.
Some states offer vocational rehabilitation, retraining or job placement help for injured workers who can't return to their old jobs. Eligibility and rules vary, so ask early.
Keep a folder with every restriction note, job offer, job description, and letter about your status. If you are offered a job, ask for the duties in writing so your doctor can review them.
Getting medical care
Your treating doctors — often occupational medicine, physical medicine and rehabilitation, spine care, orthopedics or pain management — play a large part in what comes next. A licensed clinician decides when your condition has stabilized and what restrictions fit.
Be honest about what you can and cannot do day to day. Bring examples: how long you can stand at the sink, whether you can lift a bag of groceries, how pain affects sleep. Some states and employers have rules about which provider you see or how to request a second opinion, so ask.
If you take prescriptions for an ongoing condition, ask the pharmacy and adjuster how long-term work-injury prescriptions are handled. Home delivery is often available and can be easier to manage.
Prescribed medication? Learn about prescription home delivery, common medications after work injuries, or find pharmacies near you. Your doctor and pharmacist decide what is right for you.
When people often talk to an attorney
- You are told your condition has stabilized and you disagree, or you do not understand what that means for your claim.
- You are offered a job you believe goes beyond your restrictions.
- Your employer says no work is available and you are unsure of your options.
- You have a permanent injury, such as a spinal cord injury, amputation or chronic pain, and want to understand how your state handles it.
- You receive a settlement offer and want to know what it covers, including future medical care.
- Your benefits are reduced or stopped after a change in your work status.
Learn more: what a workers' comp attorney does. Many offer a free first consultation; fees in workers' comp are often regulated by the state.
Recovery and going back to work
Even when you can't go back to the same work, recovery continues. Keep following your care plan and keep appointments, because your medical records help define what you can do.
If your employer offers modified work, get the job description in writing and ask your doctor to review it. If no work is available, ask about retraining programs and job placement help in your state.
Losing a job you were good at can be hard. Many people feel grief, anger or worry about money. Talking to someone — a clinician, counselor, or support group — can help. Keep your adjuster informed of any change in your situation.
Questions to ask
- Doctor: What are my permanent restrictions, and can you write them down specifically?
- Doctor: Is my condition expected to change, or has it leveled off?
- Employer: Is there modified or alternative work that fits my restrictions?
- Employer: Can I have the job description for that position in writing?
- Adjuster: Where does my claim stand now that I can't return to my old job?
- Adjuster: Does my state offer vocational rehabilitation or retraining?
- Attorney: How does my state handle permanent injuries?
- Attorney: Does this settlement offer account for future medical care?
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I can't go back to my old job after an injury?
Generally, your doctor sets restrictions and your employer and adjuster look at whether modified work, a different job or retraining is possible. The options depend on your state and situation. Get everything in writing.
Does my employer have to give me a different job after a work injury?
The answer depends on your state, your employer and other laws that may apply. Some employers offer modified work and some do not. Many people talk with an attorney about their options.
What is vocational rehabilitation for injured workers?
It generally refers to help like job training, skills assessment or job placement for injured workers who cannot return to their old work. Availability and rules vary by state. Ask your adjuster and your state agency.
What does it mean when my condition has leveled off?
It usually means your doctor believes you are unlikely to improve much more with treatment. That can change what happens next in your claim. Ask your doctor and adjuster to explain it for your situation.
Should I accept a job offer outside my restrictions?
Ask your doctor to review the written job duties before deciding. Taking work beyond your restrictions can risk further injury. Many people talk with an attorney if they feel pressured.
Can I get a settlement if I can't return to my old job?
Some claims end in a settlement, but whether that happens and what it includes vary by state and situation. Nothing is automatic. An attorney can help you understand an offer.
Related situations
Industries where this often happens
Prescriptions.plus is an educational portal. We are not a pharmacy, law firm, medical provider, insurer or claims administrator, and nothing here is medical or legal advice. Educational purposes only. Workers' compensation rules and deadlines vary by state — check with your state's workers' compensation agency. Medical emergency? Call 911. Hurt outside of work? Personal-injury legal help: attorneys.plus (coming soon).