Getting Back To Work

Recovery from a car accident can be difficult and painful – but it becomes even more complicated when an injury prevents you from returning to work. Determining when and if you can get back to work after a serious injury is an important decision – with multiple factors to consider:

• Medical bills don’t stop simply because you aren’t working – and paying for bills often forces accident victims back to work before they are fully recovered. Our Bronx, New York attorneys can help by reviewing your situation and advising you whether legal action against the other driver is an option. Often, medical providers will be willing to negotiate payment plans with you if they are assured that they will eventually be paid.
• Does your car accident injury merit disability? New York State maintains a State Insurance Fund, in addition to the Social Security Disability insurance program, and if your car accident was not work-related, you may be eligible for temporary cash benefits to partially make up for your lost wages. If you have been previously employed and paid into the Social Security system and your injury is expected to keep you out of work for at least one year, you may be eligible for Social Security Disability. If you are eligible for disability programs, a doctor may specify the time period during which you are considered “disabled” or “partially disabled,” and you may be required to demonstrate that you are not capable of returning to work in another capacity.
• Unemployment benefits can only be collected if you lost your job, but keep in mind that you cannot collect both disability and unemployment benefits. If you are terminated because your injuries prevent you from fulfilling your job requirements, we can provide recommendations about your legal options. We will review your long-term medical outlook, as well as the nature of your injuries and your line of work to determine the appropriate course of action.
• Returning to work too soon after an injury can cause you to compromise your injury further. If you have temporary leave from your job and must return to work as soon as the doctor clears you, make sure to keep all documentation regarding your medical visits. If your doctor clears you for work before you feel physically able, you’ll want to have all information in the event of a dispute with your employer. An attorney is essential in this scenario; we can help by reviewing your injury status and advising you of any additional legal options.
• If you do decide to pursue a personal injury claim against the insurance company for the other driver, the specific compensation you’ll be eligible to receive will vary depending upon your injuries. Damages awarded following a car accident vary according to the circumstances in each wreck but may include: pain and suffering (both past and future), payment of medical costs (both past and future), lost wages, loss of annuity or pension, loss of household help and non-economic damages such as loss of consortium (harm to a family relationship). 

When you’ve suffered serious injury as a result of a car accident, you need the Bronx, New York lawyers of Schwartzapfel Partners P.C. at your side. With more than 150 years of combined experience, our attorneys are well-prepared to handle all your legal needs.

Call our Bronx, New York car accident attorneys today at 1-800-966-4999 or use our convenient online contact form for a free case evaluation. You can also reach our office by calling 1-718-537-7070 or click here for a map to our Bronx, New York office, located at 888 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451. At Schwartzapfel Partners P.C.,we will fight for you!