Workers compensation offers benefits to workers who have been injured on the job, regardless of fault. If you’re receiving workers compensation benefits and recovering from an injury, it’s tempting to dream of taking a vacation to enjoy the time while you’re away from work. 

So, is it possible for you to go on vacation while on workers' compensation? Often the answer will be yes, depending upon the specific circumstances behind your injuries, but here are several things you should know.

Taking a Vacation While on Workers Compensation

Even if you're on workers' compensation, you're still entitled to go on vacation. The average American worker spends roughly 34 hours a week on the job. This means that what we do at work will significantly impact how happy and fulfilled we are in life. The adage "all work and no play makes Jack a dull boy" may not be accurate in every situation. 

There are several benefits and reasons why an injured employee would want a vacation while on workers' compensation:

• To help relieve physical pain, stress, and anxiety related to post-injury recovery.
• To get additional rest time/recovery time to prevent further injury or complications.
• To give their body a complete rest from any possible intense activities that could trigger pain, stress, or anxiety while recovering.
• For an overall mental and emotional break -- get away from the daily duties and responsibilities.

Going on vacation can help heal your injury faster as long as you are careful to avoid activities that will further aggravate your pain. After all, vacation is supposed to be a stress-free getaway -- so take it easy!

Suppose you decide to go on vacation while on workers' compensation, you should focus on rest and relaxing during your trip. Try to get as much rest and relaxation possible while avoiding strenuous exercise or any other physical activity.

What Are Some Things You Shouldn't Do While on Vacation?

If you are thinking of going on vacation while injured, it's important to remember that the law requires you to provide your employer with a lot of information about your injuries and status. One critical thing for you to avoid is filing for workers' comp benefits and then having those benefits called into question because the insurance company doubts your injury.

Make sure you keep up with all medical appointments. Do not let your vacation plans cause you to cancel or miss appointments. Failure to comply with needed and authorized medical treatment could jeopardize your claim.

Do not post photos of your vacation on social media; or, at the very least, make sure your account is set to private. For instance, if an injury's type or severity has changed or worsened within a short amount of time after returning from vacation leave, then the insurance company might decide that providing supplemental benefits is not warranted.

You'll also want to avoid doing any activities that compromise your injury or create evidence that you weren't injured in the first place. For example, engaging in strenuous physical activities while injured could be grounds to consider your workers' compensation claim fraudulent if it contradicts any statements given to the workers' compensation insurance company.

Help With Your Workers Compensation Claim

Taking a vacation has several benefits when one is recovering from an injury. First, it can take the stress off your shoulders, get you out in some sunlight and away from the routine for a little while. It will leave you feeling refreshed and ready to return to everyday life by the time your vacation is over. If you're on workers' compensation, this may be especially important because it could help give you the extra rest you need to recover fully.

However, keep in mind that you should avoid doing certain things when injured and on workers' comp. The last thing you want to do is bring trouble down upon yourself by calling your claim into question during a difficult time. An experienced workers compensation attorney can handle your case and make sure you get the benefits you need to recover from your injury and get back to work. 

At Brandon J. Broderick, Attorney at Law, we are dedicated to assisting clients throughout New Jersey and New York with their workers’ compensation cases. We have years of experience and the extensive resources you need to secure a fair case result. If your claim has recently been denied, contact us immediately to understand your options.