Getting Back to Work

Car accident victims may have to deal with long-term physical and emotional injuries. Deciding when to return to work after an accident can be a difficult decision. There are a number of important points to consider:

Medical bills. You may have extensive medical bills due to injuries suffered in the accident. The need to pay these bills often forces accident victims back to work before they are ready. Our Brooklyn, NY attorneys can review your situation and advise you whether you have a case against the other driver. If you are expecting a settlement, many medical providers will defer payment or negotiate payment plans. This will give you the time you need to fully recover before returning to work.

Disability. There are two forms of disability programs in New York State: the State Insurance Fund and the Social Security Disability Insurance Fund. If your accident was not work-related, these disability programs may provide you with temporary cash payments to make up for your lost wages. To receive Social Security Disability, you must have been previously employed, and you must have paid into the Social Security system. This program is for injuries that will keep you out of work for at least one year. The length of time you're eligible for this program may depend on your doctor's assessment. He or she can specify the time period during which you're expected to be "disabled" or "partially disabled." You may also have to prove that you can't work a different job or in a different field than the job you previously held.

Unemployment Benefits. If you've lost your job due to your injury, you may be able to collect unemployment benefits. If the nature of your injuries led to your job loss, we can advise you about your possible legal options. By examining the long-term medical outlook on your injuries, the nature of those injuries and your line of work, we can help you determine the best course of action for your future.

Compromising Your Injury. Returning to work too soon can interfere with the healing process and complicate your recovery. Temporary leave from your job may be contingent on your doctor's assessment of your injuries. What if your doctor clears you for work before you feel well enough to return? You need to make sure you have all the relevant documentation from your doctor's visits, hospital stays, etc. You'll need this documentation if you have a dispute about returning to work with your employer. Our Brooklyn lawyers can help you by reviewing the status of your injury and suggesting legal options.

Personal Injury Claims. If you decide to pursue a personal injury claim, you'll need an experienced lawyer to guide you through the process. The specific compensation you'll be eligible for depends on the circumstances of the car accident and your injuries. Damages may include payment of medical bills, lost wages, lost of annuity or pension, loss of household help and non-economic losses such as loss of consortium (harm to a family relationship). You may also be entitled to money for your pain and suffering, both past and future.

If you've suffered serious injury in a car accident, you need the help of the experienced Brooklyn, NY lawyers at Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. With more than 150 years of combined experience, our lawyers are well prepared to handle all your legal needs.

Call our Brooklyn, NY attorneys today at 1.800.966.4999 or use our convenient online contact form for a free case evaluation. At Schwartzapfel Partners P.C., we will fight for you!