Generally, you are allowed to travel while on workers’ compensation. However, you can’t violate your medical restrictions or engage in any activities that contradict the nature of your injury. Also, you should notify your employer about your travel plans. If you don’t, you could compromise your workers’ comp claim.
Meet with a South Carolina workers’ compensation lawyer as you weigh the pros and cons of traveling while you receive workers’ comp benefits. Your attorney will let you know if you are allowed to travel while you’re on workers’ compensation. If, for any reason, your workers’ comp claim is denied due to your travel, your attorney can appeal on your behalf.
Are You Allowed to Travel While on Workers’ Compensation in South Carolina?
In most cases, there will be no issue with you traveling if you’re getting workers’ compensation benefits in South Carolina. As you get ready to travel, there are things to consider relative to your workers’ compensation injuries. These include:
Medical Restrictions
Your travel plans and activities shouldn’t exceed the physical restrictions given to you by your doctor. If your trip is strenuous, you could aggravate your injuries. On top of that, you risk losing your workers’ comp benefits moving forward.
Notifying Your Employer and Their Insurance Company
Tell your employer and their insurer about your trip. Per South Carolina law, if you receive workers’ compensation benefits, you’re required to report any changes to your medical condition or activities. Choosing not to comply with state law can put your workers’ comp claim in danger.
Activities That Can Nullify Your Workers’ Compensation Claim
Err on the side of caution as you think about the activities to enjoy during your trip. If you engage in activities that are inconsistent with the injury that you’re claiming is keeping you from working, your employer and their insurer may question the legitimacy of your workers’ comp claim.
Discuss your trip with a workers’ compensation attorney who has a track record of success. Your lawyer will provide you with insights into what workers’ compensation covers. They will help you avoid doing things that otherwise hurt your chances of continuing to get workers’ comp benefits.
Tips to Help You if You Travel While on Workers’ Compensation
Consult with a workers’ compensation lawyer before you depart for your trip. Your attorney will share injured worker FAQs and other workers’ comp resources with you. In addition, they will provide you with tips to boost your chances of retaining your workers’ comp benefits after you travel, such as:
- Get medical clearance. Ask your doctor for a written note that approves your travel and details any limitations you have relating to lifting, sitting, or movement.
- Keep the lines of communication open. Stay in contact with your case manager or adjuster and let them know if your travel plans change.
- Bring your medical records. Have your medical records available to you, as these can help medical professionals if they need to care for you in an emergency.
In addition, purchasing travel insurance before your trip can provide extra financial protection. This insurance protects you financially if you encounter emergency medical expenses while traveling. Also, it is beneficial to document your activities and medical visits during your trip. Depending on the specifics of your situation, you could be reimbursed for travel to your medical appointments.
What to Do if Your Workers’ Compensation Claim Is Denied After You Travel
You may believe you were permitted to travel while receiving workers’ compensation benefits. Regardless, your workers’ comp claim is denied, and you have no idea what to do from here. At this point, talk with a workers’ comp lawyer, as they will get to the root of your denial. Next, your attorney can explain the process of appealing the denial of a workers’ compensation claim in South Carolina.
There is a brief window for filing your appeal. If the South Carolina Workers’ Compensation Commission denies your claim, you have 14 days to submit a Request for Commission Review. If the commission affirms the original decision against you, you have 30 days to appeal to the South Carolina Court of Appeals.
Your lawyer will take your appeal seriously. They will gather evidence to show that your injury occurred at work and has nothing to do with your travel. As your attorney prepares your appeal, they will keep you updated. If you have any concerns or questions about your appeal, your lawyer will address them promptly.
The Bottom Line on Whether You Should Travel While on Workers’ Comp
You can travel while on workers’ compensation. But remember, your trip can impact your workers’ compensation claim. If you make mistakes as you prepare for your trip or during your travel, you may struggle to receive workers’ comp benefits in the months and years that follow.
Shelly Leeke Law Firm has obtained millions of dollars for our clients. We can connect you with Shelly Leeke Law Firm attorneys who will fight for you. Trust the Shelly Leeke Law Firm legal team to help you with your workers’ comp case. Learn how Shelly gets results for those injured at work. Call Shelly Leeke!
