How The Thrift Shop Gig Is Used To Hurt Your Workers' Compensation Settlement

Is your employer's workers' compensation insurance company is sending you to a thrift shop to perform "modified duties" - be aware that it's a tactic to hurt your workers' compensation settlement. Insurance adjusters use this trick to get you to change your work restrictions or get a "no call no show" that justifies them cutting off your temporary disability payments forever.Show more

When you get injured at work, you may rely on workers' compensation to help you with your medical bills and lost wages. But did you know that your employer's workers' compensation insurance company might be using a sneaky trick to hurt your settlement? They could send you to a thrift shop to do "modified duties." This article will help you understand how this tactic works and how it can affect your workers' compensation settlement.

The Insurance Company's Goal
The goal of the insurance company is to save money. They do this by paying out as little as possible in workers' compensation claims. One way they try to do this is by sending injured workers to do "modified duties" at thrift shops. These duties might be easier for you to do, but there's a catch. The insurance adjusters are hoping that you will either change your work restrictions or not show up for your new job, giving them a reason to cut off your temporary disability payments.

Changing Work Restrictions
When you're sent to do modified duties, you might be tempted to change your work restrictions. You may think that if you can do the new job at the thrift shop, you should be able to go back to your regular job too. However, this is exactly what the insurance adjusters want you to do. If you change your work restrictions, they can argue that your injury isn't as severe as you claim, and they can use that to lower your settlement amount.

No Call, No Show
Another way the insurance adjusters try to hurt your settlement is by setting you up for a "no call, no show." This is when you don't show up for your new job at the thrift shop and don't call to let them know you won't be there. If you do this, the insurance company can argue that you're not truly disabled and cut off your temporary disability payments for good.

How to Protect Your Settlement
To avoid falling into the insurance company's trap, be aware of these tactics and don't change your work restrictions or miss your new job without calling. Instead, keep in close contact with your doctor and follow their advice about what kind of work you can safely do. Make sure to attend all your medical appointments and keep track of your progress. If you're unsure about anything, talk to a workers' compensation attorney who can help protect your rights.

The insurance company's goal is to save money, and they'll use tactics like the thrift shop gig to try to hurt your workers' compensation settlement. To protect yourself and your settlement, be aware of these tactics and follow your doctor's advice. Don't change your work restrictions or skip your new job without calling. Remember, you have rights, and a workers' compensation attorney can help you navigate this tricky process.