After suffering from a traumatic car crash in Massachusetts, returning to work was probably the last thing on your mind. Your first priority was getting better, which is as it should be. However, as medical bills begin to pile up and that first sting of boredom begins to settle in from being at home all day, you may actually find yourself missing those 40 hours per week at work.
Forbes recommends that before taking any decision to return to work, consider safety. Is the work building truly set up for a recovering employee to exit, enter and maneuver around without potentially causing further injury? The type of work should also be taken into consideration. If there was heavy lifting involved or long, stressful work hours, this may not be ideal for recovering from the physical and mental effects of a traumatic motor vehicle accident.
While not mentioned by Forbes, another important aspect to consider is disability benefits and any other payment claims. While returning to work may be tempting, doing so may affect payments received. You may need these extra payments to cover medical bills, so be sure to do your research before returning to work, even if it is just for a few hours per week.
For these very reasons, communication is important. You will need to be clear with your doctor about your intention to return to work. Your doctor may be able to provide guidance on when and how you may do so safely. You should also be clear with your boss about how much work you may be able to complete and what your limitations are. This not only helps to protect you as you recover, but prevents frustrations in the office.
Finally, remember to heed professional advice. As much as you may feel ready to return to work, rushing back to the office may prove disadvantageous to you in the long run. Remember that your body, mind and bank account will all need to recover from the car accident, and ironically, running back to your nine-to-five is not always the best solution.
This article provides information on recovering from a traumatic car crash. It should not be used as legal advice.
