Healing after a workplace injury can be a grueling process, especially if it involves missing time from work and extensive physical therapy. But just like employees who work hard every week, injured workers deserve some time to enjoy themselves and relax as well.

If you are wondering if you can take a vacation while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, the answer is yes. However, there are several things you must consider before embarking on your trip.

Your Doctor’s Recommendation

Your doctor will recommend you avoid certain activities to avoid causing further damage to your injury or re-injuring yourself. If you go against the doctor’s restrictions by participating in a hazardous activity, such as surfing or skydiving, you could risk losing your workers’ compensation benefits.

Remember, you can experience reinjury or physical exertion from carrying heavy luggage or sitting on an airplane for hours on end. Thoroughly and smart planning is necessary to stay within your doctor’s orders. Talk to your doctor, so he/she could provide an effective plan to preserve your health during your vacation.

Medical Appointments

As part of your workers’ compensation claim, you are obligated to make all your scheduled appointments with your doctor, physical therapist, or any other healthcare provider.

If you miss an appointment or ask your doctor to reschedule your appointment because of your vacation, you could lose your benefits. Your case manager could view this type of behavior as failing to comply with the provisions of your claim, resulting in your benefits being taken away.

Yet, if your trip only lasts for a week or two and you are not in danger of missing or rescheduling any medical appointments, you will be fine.

Private Investigators

While it may be tempting to join the family on a fun excursion, even if you are being extremely careful, someone might be watching. Workers’ compensation carriers may keep tabs on you while you’re on vacation by hiring an investigator to record your activities and report their findings back to insurers.

Social Media

In today’s society, we often share our daily activities on social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram, especially when we are on a fun trip. However, posting your activities on vacation could also lead to losing your benefits.

If an insurer sees photos or videos of you underwater scuba diving with sharks or jet skiing, then there goes your benefits.

For more information about workers’ compensation benefits in Houston, TX, contact our experienced legal team at Daspit Law Firm and schedule a free consultation today.