Common Myths Associated with Workers Comp Claims During Pregnancy
It is no secret that being pregnant or becoming pregnant during a worker's compensation claim can make your case a little more complicated. However, you are just as deserving as fair treatment, and there are a lot of myths that can get in the way of you getting that fairness with your claim. Here is a look at some of the common myths associated with pregnancy and worker's compensation.
Myth: Workers comp payments may be reduced if you are pregnant.
If you are pregnant when you get hurt at work, you are just as entitled to worker's comp coverage as any other employee. Pregnancy can make you more likely to be injured in certain ways. For example, you may be more likely to sustain a back injury because of the extra weight you are carrying around your midsection. However, if you were not on the job and performing a certain task for the company that you work for, you would not be in that situation in which you are more likely to hurt your back. The insurance company may try to use your pregnancy as a way to claim they are not liable for your injuries, but this is not technically legal and you should speak to a workers compensation attorney.
Myth: If you get pregnant while off due to a workplace injury, you may lose your benefits.
It is a common misconception that getting pregnant while drawing worker's comp benefits can mean you lose your benefits, but that simply is not the case. The fact that you are pregnant has nothing to do with the fact that you did indeed get hurt on the job and your employer has the responsibility of paying you and for your medical visits. Of course, your benefits will not cover the costs of the medical care you require while you are pregnant.
Myth: Physical limitations imposed by a doctor due to pregnancy can affect your worker's comp.
If you get hurt on the job and are given benefits to cover your time off, you are entitled to those benefits until a doctor clears you to go back to work. In the event you are pregnant or become pregnant in the midst of a workers comp claim and your doctor directs you to not do certain things, this is not something that can affect your worker's comp. The two situations are unrelated, so one condition should not affect the benefits you are receiving.
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