When you are injured and are unable to work as a result, your lost wages might make up a considerable portion of your personal injury claim. When you have recovered enough to where you believe that you can return to work, and your doctor authorizes that you can return to work, you may wonder if you'll receive more damages by delaying your return—you should discuss this with a personal injury attorney.

Why Not Returning to Work Can Backfire

If you are trying to settle with the insurance provider of the other party involved in your case, you may be considered deceitful if you do not return to work. This might be used as an excuse to reduce your settlement amount. Also, the insurance provider may not compensate you for wages you didn't receive because you simply chose to not return to work. 

However, you might believe that you are too injured to return to work. If this is the case, you should seek a second opinion. You should also speak to your attorney about whether there is a way to persuade the insurance provider that you shouldn't return to work. Also, your employer might be able to offer you a light-duty job.

When Your Doctor Says You Shouldn't Return

You might feel anxious to return to work and you may also be concerned with how your personal injury case is going. However, you should not return to work early because if you become more seriously injured while at work this might complicate your case.

For example, if you suffer an injury, you would normally file a workers' compensation claim. However, by already being injured, your injury would be partially because you have a pre-existing condition. A workers' compensation insurance provider may use this as an excuse to deny your claim or reduce your settlement. 

You Might Hurt Your Case

If you return to work, the defendant might argue that you were not as injured as you claim and may use it as an excuse to try to reduce your settlement amount. If this is the case, you'll need more evidence to prove that you are as injured as you claim.

However, with an experienced personal injury lawyer, you will be able to make decisions that will help your case. Your lawyer may even be willing to pay for your expenses while you are out of work until your case is resolved.