How Light Duty Changed One Injured Worker's Recovery Journey After a workplace injury sidelined Eugene from his job as a skilled pipefitter, he wasn’t sure what came next. But through a light-duty program, he found himself in a receptionist role at a local nonprofit. A world away from his trade, but a needed change. “I’ve gained so much knowledge," Eugene shared. “They let me learn by doing, and I’ve made…
Delays in surgery approvals and benefit confusion can stall recovery. Here’s how employers and carriers can take proactive steps to keep the process moving and support healing. Transitional duty assignments often provide injured workers with structure, motivation, and a sense of momentum in their recovery. For Mohsen, the assignment has been a step in the right direction, but his experience also highlights key breakdowns that can slow progress and cause…
Even small payroll oversights can create major stress for injured workers. Latonya’s story shows how proactive communication can make all the difference. In workers’ compensation, it’s easy to get caught up in paperwork and procedures, but for injured workers, the experience runs much deeper. Beyond medical appointments and case files, real people are trying to rebuild their lives. Latonya is one of them. A meaningful light-duty assignment gave her more…
For Robert, being injured at work was not just about physical pain — it was the emotional toll of feeling forgotten. After suffering two work-related accidents in just seventeen days, he found himself not only navigating the healthcare system but also coping with an unexpected and painful silence from those he once considered friends and colleagues. With no communication from his employer or healthcare provider, Robert feels completely cut off,…
Background Ivan’s life took an unexpected turn when he was struck by a motorcycle, leaving him unconscious and injured. He suffered a head wound, severe bleeding, and significant trauma to his arms and legs. After spending several days in the hospital, he was discharged, still grappling with intense pain. What followed was a challenging journey through the workers’ compensation system -- marked by setbacks, difficult decisions, and, ultimately, a lifeline…
In this edition of the Voice of the Injured Worker, we again share real conversations with Injured Workers to bring their experiences with Workers’ Compensation to the forefront of our industry. Often when an employee first gets injured, they face a multitude of worries related to their future security, wellness, financial stability, and caring for their family. Read the excerpts of our conversations with Jamie, an injured individual, who had…
Daniel, an Injured Worker, Reminds Us of the Importance of Direct and Transparent Medical Communication We are going to be focusing on real conversations that we’ve had with Injured Workers to bring the industry a front-row experience to what injured workers go through. Throughout this series we will hear differing opinions and cases and use that as a jumping point to discuss best practices for workers’ compensation professionals. We are…
As you navigate working with injured workers, managing difficult conversations with finesse and tact is essential. These difficult conversations could include discussing the severity of the injury, the potential impact on their career, or the financial implications. Injured employees often face challenges that they are unfamiliar with and can bring high levels of stress or fear. Navigating conversations about health, finances, and career need to be addressed calmly. All stakeholders,…
The Impact of Return-to-Work Programs Return-to-Work programs play a pivotal role in supporting injured employees as they transition back into the workforce. These programs accelerate recovery and provide emotional and financial stability during a challenging time. The following are testimonials from injured workers who have participated in Return-to-Work programs with modified duty. Testimonials: "I want to express my gratitude... for the opportunity to participate in [a Return-to-Work program]. I am…
Responding to Common Questions from Injured Workers Professionals in the workers' compensation field must not only expertly meld highly analytical skills with deep wells of understanding but also prioritize empathy. Every day, employees in the workers' compensation field must be able to juggle a heavy load of cases while also being aware of the idiosyncrasies of each person's claims. No case is ever as simple as it appears on the…
