Suggestions for disabled employees on how to stay comfortable and productive after a workplace injury.
We saw an interesting article published by Wirecutter about staying comfortable and productive after breaking a major bone or having surgery. Suggestions included handy accessories to keep nearby like a pouch on crutches, leakproof coffee mug, power bank to charge electronics, and a lap desk. Folding crutches and a knee scooters also help people get around better. Ways to reduce pain included upgrading pads on crutches, using a high quality ice pack, and booking a message.
Many of our clients find it extremely difficult after a serious workplace injury. They are often required to undergo multiple surgeries and months of physical therapy. Getting around the house can be a real challenge. Some are called back to their jobs before they are even fully cleared by their doctors. Here are some more issues to think about when trying to stay comfortable and productive after a work injury.
Attendant care benefits
Michigan workers’ compensation law requires payment of attendant care benefits. This is to help a disabled employee with activities of daily living. Family members can receive up to 56 paid hours each week. This includes spouses, brothers, sisters, children, parents, aunts, uncles, or any combination of these individuals. A professional can be hired if 24/7 care is required.
Some examples of attendant care include meal preparation, taking medications, giving injections, wound care, getting dressed, mobility, using the bathroom, and bathing. Even on-call time when a family member just needs to be present should be covered. Ordinary household tasks like shopping, taking out the garbage, shoveling snow, and walking the dog are not covered.
Disabled employees should get a prescription from their doctor for attendant care. It is also critical that a written log is kept by family members showing exactly what services have been provided. Watch out for insurance companies who pay too little for attendant care benefits. Relatives should receive the same hourly rate as a professional.
Light duty job offers
Disabled employees must accept offers to work under restrictions from their employers. This is called favored work or reasonable employment. It is supposed to be a job that is within a reasonable distance from a person’s home that poses no danger to health or safety. Jobs are not limited to qualifications and training so a disabled employee could find themselves doing anything.
Bad employers force disabled employee to work in jobs that are beyond their restrictions. The goal is to get them to walk out and ultimately forfeit any workers’ compensation benefits that might be owed. Watch out for employers who violate restrictions and require demeaning tasks be performed. Basic accommodations should be provided so that an employee remains comfortable in this situation. It is a good idea to hire a lawyer at this point to ensure legal rights are protected.
Michigan Workers Comp Lawyers never charges a fee to evaluate a potential case. Our law firm has represented injured and disabled workers exclusively for more than 35 years. Call (844) 201-9497 for a free consultation today.
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