Employees who get injured while doing their job face several challenges from the time of their injury to the time they get back to work. Many of those injured on the job do not know how to handle the situation and what their rights are. Any establishment, no matter how big or small, has a duty towards its employees in case they ever get in harm’s way while working.

This gives employees certain rights that they are entitled to claim after being injured and when they are ready to get back to work. If you ever find yourself in a situation where you are injured at work, here is everything you need to know about your rights and the return to work process.

Taking Time Off

After being injured at work, you may need to take some time off to focus on your wellbeing and recovery depending on the severity of your injury. Your employer should always grant you that leave of absence when you need it as it is your legal right as an employee who was harmed while working. This time is awarded to you to seek medical attention to recover from your injuries or to relax after the trauma of the incident you were involved in. Even physical injuries require some time off to focus on mental health and any trauma you have endured as a result of your workplace injury.

Filing for Compensation

Workplace injuries are, unfortunately, pretty common in many states, including North Carolina. If you have been injured while at work, you are eligible for compensation to cover the damages you have endured. Once you have settled your workplace compensation claims with your employers and have taken some time off to heal after your injury, it will be time to start thinking about getting back to work. If you do not think you are being treated fairly or compensated properly, then you may need to take legal action against your employers, in which case, consider looking for work injury lawyers North Carolina so that you can pursue your full legal rights. Experienced lawyers will be able to negotiate a fair settlement or help you get your rights in court if all else fails.

Easing Back to Work

Once you have settled your compensation claims with your employers and have taken some time off to heal after your injury, it will be time to start thinking about getting back to work. The process of returning to your day job can be challenging for those who have suffered severe injuries. Therefore,  it is important that employees ease themselves back to work instead of reemerging in full force and risking their wellbeing. Make sure you get a doctor’s approval to get back to work and return to your regular work pace one step at a time so that you can make a healthy comeback.

Communicating with the Employer

Employers have a duty towards their employees to make them feel heard and satisfied in the workplace. If you are planning on returning to work after suffering from an injury on the job, try communicating with your employer before making your return to see if they can make matters easier for you.

Your employer should be able to work out flexible plans for you to get back to work swiftly and they can even make healthcare recommendations and adjustments for you in the workplace so that you can safely return.

Learn About Work Restrictions

Suffering from certain types of injuries while you are on the job can result in long-term health conditions that may restrict you from doing certain tasks. If you find yourself in this situation, you should familiarize yourself with the work restrictions you have and communicate them to your employer so that they can make the proper adjustments needed for your return to work. Your employers cannot deny you your job back even if you have certain work restrictions so make sure you know your full rights and obligations before returning to your old establishment.

Getting injured on the job can be an overwhelming experience with numerous adverse consequences. Employees who get injured at work may find themselves in situations where they need to rehabilitate before they can make a full recovery and return to work. Understand your full rights and file a compensation claim as soon as the emergency of the injury passes so you can be reimbursed for the damages and losses you incurred. Moreover, hire an experienced lawyer to be by your side in case you need them to claim compensation and get your fair and legal rights.