Dangers of Returning to Work Too Soon After a Harrisburg Crash

After a car crash, victims may feel pressured to return to work sooner than later. But going back to work too quickly is a bad idea. Doing so could jeopardize your health, lengthen your recovery and hurt your ability to seek compensation for your medical costs and other damages.

Wondering how soon is too soon to go back to work after a crash? Our Harrisburg car accident lawyers help victims injured by negligent drivers every day, something we have been doing for decades. In this article, we explain the dangers of not prioritizing your health and help you to understand your rights after being injured in a car accident.

We offer a FREE, no-risk case review to discuss your situation. Call: (717) 727-2500 24/7 to speak to a qualified attorney.

Why You Should Not Return to Work too Quickly After a Harrisburg Crash

Jumping back into work or your normal daily activities too soon after a car crash could greatly jeopardize your health. Until your doctor clears you, trying to do too much could cause your injuries to worsen. It could end up lengthening your recovery and severely damaging your injury claim.

Health

Returning to work before your doctor or medical professional clears you puts your health at risk. Your body needs rest to properly heal. You may also need other treatments, like physical therapy. Ignoring these factors could cause you to get reinjured, suffer a new injury or make your existing injuries worse.

For instance, if you sustained a severe back injury from a car collision, your treating physician may recommend you rest and not lift anything heavy. Being on your feet or sitting at a desk too long could worsen your pain and aggravate your back injury. Lifting boxes on the job or even just getting in and out of the car, could reinjure you and lengthen your recovery.

Insurance Claim

Pennsylvania is a no-fault state. You must file a claim for medical care through the personal injury protection (PIP) portion of your policy with your insurance company. If you file a claim and then return to work too soon, it could damage your claim. Those actions say to the insurance company that either your injuries are not as bad as you stated or you were not hurt at all. As a result, your claim could get devalued or even denied.

It is vital you follow your doctor’s orders and recommendations for ongoing follow-up and treatment. You also have a legal duty to properly mitigate your damages. These actions tell the insurance company that you actually want to get better and are taking the proper steps to recover.

The primary objective of insurance companies is to protect their bottom line. This means they will not pay out full compensation just because you or your attorney request it. Rather, you will have to prove your case with evidence that supports what you are claiming. Insurers will be looking for reasons to devalue or deny your claim, so protect your health and follow your doctor’s prescribed plan of care.

An attorney can guide you throughout the legal process and help you to steer clear of any actions that could undermine your claim or reduce your settlement.

Reduce Future Earning Income

Some car crash victims may feel the stress of mounting medical bills and think returning to work will help to alleviate their worries about their finances. This may seem like a good idea at the moment, but reinjuring yourself or causing your injuries to get worse by not allowing them to fully heal could do the opposite of that. Not allowing your body to properly heal could cause secondary complications, like chronic pain or mobility issues, to arise. This reduced physical ability could continue to harm your finances and ability to earn income in the future.

When Should You Go Back to Work After a Car Crash in PA?

It is best to return to work only when your doctor clears you and says it is safe to do so. Following doctor’s orders protects your health, optimizing your chances of an optimum recovery. Keep in mind, however, that your bodily injuries are just one facet of the harm you suffered after a car crash. You may also need time to heal emotionally and mentally.

Am I Mentally and Emotionally Ready to Return to Work?

A car accident can be very traumatic. Some car crash victims have mental health conditions that can affect their daily quality of life.

These mental health conditions may include:

• PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder): Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety and uncontrollable thoughts about the accident.
• Anxiety: Some individuals may experience panic attacks, constant worry and avoidance of driving.
• Depression: Victims may feel extreme sadness or experience a loss of interest in activities, changes in appetite, sleep patterns and feelings of hopelessness.
• ASD (Acute Stress Disorder): Occurs immediately after an accident and includes symptoms like PTSD but generally lasts for a shorter duration.
• Adjustment Disorders: In combination with other mental health conditions, traumatized crash victims may have difficulty dealing with the stress of daily life.
• Phobias: The fear of being in a vehicle may make it extremely difficult for recovering crash victims to travel in or drive a car.

You should not be ashamed if you are struggling mentally after a car crash. Seeking help from a licensed therapist or counselor can greatly help injured victims to deal with the emotional scars left by a car accident.

What if You Are Not Ready to Return to Work When Cleared?

Doctors and medical professionals base their assessment of your condition based on their medical knowledge and test results. However, there are several other factors that may affect a crash victim’s ability to return to work.

If you do not feel like you are physically or mentally ready to return to work once your doctor clears you to do so, you can see another doctor for a second opinion. Be sure to talk about your decision with your attorney, and document your visit. A second medical opinion that validates your reasons for not returning to work may give you additional time to recover fully from your injuries.

Are Your Injuries Keeping You Out of Work? Speak With a Schmidt Kramer Lawyer Today

At Schmidt Kramer, we are committed to helping car crash victims understand their rights as they focus on their recovery.

If you are experiencing financial hardship due to piling medical bills or lost wages, our experienced lawyers may be able to recover compensation on your behalf. We offer a free, no obligation consultation to discuss the details of your accident.

Find out if you have a case: call (717) 727-2500.