Receiving workers’ compensation can be a lifeline when you’re injured on the job. However, there are situations where these benefits might stop. Understanding these reasons can help you ensure you receive the support you need.
Reaching maximum medical improvement (MMI)
One common reason benefits may stop is reaching maximum medical improvement. MMI means that your condition has stabilized. It also means further medical treatment is unlikely to improve your condition. At this point, your doctor will assess whether you have any permanent disabilities. They will also determine your ability to return to work.
Returning to work
If you can return to your job, your workers’ comp benefits may end. This applies when you return to your previous position. However, it also applies if you return to a modified role that accommodates your injury. The goal of workers’ compensation is to support you until you can resume working.
Non-compliance with medical treatment
Failing to follow your prescribed medical treatment can also terminate your benefits. This includes missing doctor’s appointments, not following medical advice, or refusing recommended treatments. Non-compliance signals that you are not making efforts to recover and return to work.
Reaching the benefits limit
Workers’ compensation benefits are not unlimited. Depending on your injury and its severity, there may be caps on how long you can receive benefits. There may also be limits to the total amount payable. Once you reach these limits, your benefits will stop. It’s important to understand these limits when you begin receiving benefits.
Fraud or misrepresentation
While serious workplace injuries do occur, workers’ compensation fraud is a major issue. If there is evidence that you have exaggerated your injury or lied about how it happened to receive benefits, your benefits will likely stop. Additionally, fraud can result in legal consequences beyond losing benefits.
Settling your claim
In some cases, you may settle your workers’ comp claim. A settlement is a one-time payment that closes your claim. Settlements can be advantageous, but they also mean an end to ongoing benefits.
Changes in your medical condition
Regular medical evaluations help determine if your condition warrants continued benefits. An unexpected recovery or improvement can lead to the cessation of payments.
Staying informed and proactive
Understanding why your workers’ compensation benefits might stop will help you prepare for the future. It’s important to stay proactive and keep informed about your rights and obligations. Consider developing a financial plan to manage the possibility of benefits ending. Explore other support options that may be available to you through community resources. This way, you can create a safety net that ensures stability regardless of changes to your workers’ compensation benefits.