Am I Required to Use My PTO for Workers’ Compensation?

As a worker, you may have many questions when you suffer an injury on the job. Unfortunately, one of the many questions you may have is if you have to use your paid time off for the time you miss following your work injury.

While you should think that you wouldn't have to use your own PTO for time you miss from work with an injury, there are some situations that can make this possible. Here's what you need to know about filing a workers' compensation claim and how you may have to use your own PTO after a work injury.

Insurance Companies Sometimes Delay Claims

If the workers' compensation insurance provider is not quick to make a decision regarding your benefits, you may not be able to receive time off through your coverage. Even if your injury makes it so you're unable to work, insurance companies are still looking out for their profits, and they're not always willing to provide compensation when you need it.

Instead of paying out when you need it, the insurance adjuster may delay the investigation into your claim. The longer they take on your claim, the more difficult it is on you and your quality of life. The delay may require you to use your paid time off instead of getting the benefits you need.

A Workers' Comp Doctor's Orders

When you need to see a doctor for your workers' compensation claim, they may not be quick to give you time off of work. Because of this, you may find yourself needing time off work while you wait for the doctor's orders.

Your paid time off is something you earn, so you should only have to use it when necessary. Unfortunately, many obstacles can arise that require you to use it when you should be receiving benefits, especially when insurance companies and workers' comp doctors don't work in your favor.

Our Corpus Christi workers' compensation lawyers work to help you get the benefits you need quickly. At The Edwards Law Firm, we prioritize your rights moving forward. Trust that we'll be by your side to hold insurance companies to their word after a workplace injury to pursue the benefits you deserve.

Call us at 361-698-7600 today.