As summer moves forward and more people plan trips, many injured workers wonder: “Can I go on vacation while receiving workers’ compensation?”
The answer is yes, but only if your plans do not interfere with your medical recovery or create the impression that you are no longer disabled. At Hardison & Cochran, our North Carolina workers’ compensation lawyers often advise clients on how to handle vacation plans while still protecting their benefits.
Will Going on Vacation Impact Your Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
Most employers in North Carolina are required by law to carry workers’ compensation insurance for full- and part-time employees who suffer job-related injuries or illnesses. The benefits typically include:
- Paid medical care related to your injury
- Weekly temporary disability checks, typically two-thirds of your regular wages
What you should know:
- There is no law in North Carolina that prohibits injured workers from taking a vacation while receiving benefits.
- If you are receiving temporary total disability benefits, you should continue receiving weekly checks during your vacation.
- Your medical bills for the work injury will continue to be covered.
- You cannot receive paid vacation time at the same time as workers’ compensation benefits. Collecting both is considered double-dipping.
- Workers’ compensation benefits are generally not taxed.
How to Maintain Your Eligibility While on Vacation
The real concern is whether your vacation is consistent with your status as an injured worker. Insurers may look for evidence that you are not as disabled as claimed.
Two key areas to focus on:
- Your Medical Care
- You must continue to attend all doctor’s appointments, therapy sessions, and treatments.
- Skipping or rescheduling appointments for vacation could give the insurer grounds to challenge your benefits.
- Plan your travel so you can return for scheduled care.
- Your Vacation Itinerary
- Follow your doctor’s restrictions. Choose activities that match your recovery status.
- Be cautious with long trips, strenuous activities, or anything that looks inconsistent with your injury.
- Avoid posting vacation photos or videos to social media. Insurers sometimes use investigators or freelancers to monitor injured workers. Evidence that you are active could be taken out of context and used to stop your benefits.
- Always check with your doctor about what activities are appropriate
Contact a Raleigh Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Being on workers’ compensation does not prevent you from taking a vacation. However, insurance companies closely watch for signs that benefits are no longer justified. If they suspect you are not injured as claimed, they may try to stop your payments.
At Hardison & Cochran, we stand up for injured workers across North Carolina. Our attorneys and staff can:
- Help you protect your workers’ compensation benefits while traveling
- Guide you on what activities and plans are safe under your medical restrictions
- Defend your right to benefits if an insurer tries to challenge or end your claim
Benjamin T. Cochran, our managing partner, is a Board Certified Specialist in North Carolina Workers’ Compensation Law. Hardison & Cochran is also listed in The Best Law Firms in America in the practice area of “Workers’ Compensation – Claimants.”
Call Hardison & Cochran or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free consultation. Let our Raleigh workers’ compensation lawyers help you protect your benefits and focus on recovery.
