Can I Collect Workers’ Comp If I Quit?

When you get injured on the job, the last thing you want to worry about is how you’re going to pay for your medical bills and lost wages. Thankfully, workers’ compensation is designed to protect employees who suffer injuries on the job. However, what happens if you quit your job after getting injured? Can you still collect workers’ compensation benefits?

Here’s what you need to know.

Can I Collect Workers’ Comp If I Quit?

The short answer is that it depends on the circumstances of your case.

Before quitting, you should consult with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney. It’s also important to finish your medical treatment. Otherwise, you could be putting yourself at risk of losing your workers’ comp benefits.

Constructive Termination

In many cases, if you can demonstrate that you had good cause for quitting or you were constructively terminated because of your injuries, you may be able to continue collecting benefits.

Constructive termination occurs when an employer creates working conditions that are so intolerable that a reasonable person would feel compelled to resign.

For example, if your boss refused to accommodate your work restrictions or harassed you because of your injury, you may be able to argue that you had no choice but to quit to protect your health and safety. In these cases, you should speak to an experienced workers’ comp attorney to explore your legal options.

Keep in mind that if you quit your job without showing good cause, you may still be eligible for other forms of financial assistance. This includes disability benefits or unemployment insurance. These benefits have different eligibility requirements but they may not provide the same level of support as workers’ comp.

Contact a Workers’ Compensation Attorney

Are you considering quitting your job due to your work-related injury? You should discuss your options with a workers’ compensation attorney. They can help you understand your legal rights and obligations and guide you through the process of applying for benefits or pursuing other forms of financial assistance.

Whether you can collect workers’ comp benefits after quitting your job depends on the specific circumstances of your case. You may be able to continue collecting benefits if you can demonstrate that you had good cause for quitting. If you quit without consulting with an attorney or completing your medical treatment, you could jeopardize your right to benefits.

If you’re considering quitting your job after an injury, speak to a workers’ comp attorney to explore your legal options. They’ll help you receive the financial support you deserve.

To learn more about how a workers’ compensation attorney can help you or to discuss your situation with an expert, contact Shugarman & Mehring at 410.783.4200 or toll-free at 888.342.7200.