N
The Global Insight

Can you change jobs while on workers comp?

Author

John Hall

Updated on April 01, 2026

Employers have to talk to an employee on workers compensation if they decide to make a significant change in the workplace that will affect the employee’s job. This has to occur as the decision is made, not when the employee comes back to work from workers compensation.

What if I can’t do my old job after an injury?

If an injury prevents a worker from returning to their pre-injury position and a suitable alternative position cannot be provided by the employer, the redeployment process begins. The occupational rehabilitation provider will assist the injured employee by providing job seeking advice, if required.

Will a workers compensation case affect my future employment?

Will a Workers’ Compensation Case Affect My Future Employment? As long as you do not badmouth your former employer, a previous workers’ compensation claim should not impact your chances of being hired in the future.

What should an employer do when an employee is injured on the job?

If an employee is injured at work, the employer should work with the employee to file a workers’ comp claim with the company’s insurance provider. It’s in a business owner’s best interest to maintain open communication between the injured employee, the doctor, the claims adjustor, and the insurance agent.

What happens if I resign while on workers comp?

If you resign from your current employer while in the middle of a workman’s compensation claim, you will still receive medical benefits if the doctor determines you still need treatment. Benefits vary depending on which state you live in, but if you resign, you give up your right to wage replacement benefits.

What can I do if I can’t work due to injury?

If you are injured off the job and are temporarily unable to work, you should file a claim for short-term disability benefits. For example, if you are in a car accident and break your leg, you will likely be unable to work for a while.

Can a injured worker choose their own doctor?

Other states allow injured workers to choose any doctor within a network, and admission to the network is determined by the state, the employer, or the employer’s insurance company. Rules also vary for whether you can choose a doctor for the initial treatment visit as compared to continuing treatment for your industrially related condition.

Who is most likely to miss time from work due to injury?

The BLS’s 2019 workplace injury statistics also indicated that older workers were more likely to miss significant time from work than younger workers. Among workers ages 55 to 64, the median number of days missed due to an injury or illness was 14 days, compared to just five days for workers between the ages of 16 and 24.

What to do if you have a work-related injury?

Your current physician will be able to determine if he or she can treat you for your work-related injury. If your current physician cannot treat you, or you do not have an established relationship with a physician, consider talking to a worker’s comp lawyer in your area.

Why is it hard to get a new job after injury?

If you are a mature worker or you have been with the same employer for many years, it can be even more difficult because you need to re-learn how to apply for jobs. You may be rusty on everything from updating your CV to interview skills and negotiating your contract.