Can You Quit Your Job While on Workers’ Comp in Missouri?

While leaving your place of employment doesn’t automatically end a work-injury claim, there are some important things you should know.

The idea of quitting your job while receiving compensation benefits might seem absurd. However, you may no longer feel safe at your workplace or get a better job offer from another company. What will happen to your workers’ comp benefits if you quit your job? Will the insurance company stop or reduce your benefits? 

injured workers on a laptop

“Will I Lose My Workers’ Compensation Benefits if I Quit My Job?”

Leaving employment doesn’t automatically end a work-injury claim. You’ll likely be entitled to your medical benefits until the assigned physician says you have reached maximum medical improvement. Medical benefits generally cover medical expenses related to your injury – from hospitalization, prescriptions, and counseling, to mileage to and from the doctor’s office. You’ll also generally continue to receive your Permanent Total Disability payments whether you stay or go.  

However, it may likely affect your right to some benefits, including:

  • Wage loss benefits: If your injury resulted in time away from work, you should generally get compensated for your lost wages. If you quit your job, you’ll likely be taken off your employer’s payroll, meaning your wage loss benefits will likely be stopped. 
  • Temporary partial disability (TPD) benefits: Employees are generally entitled to TPD benefits if they can return to work, but their injury temporarily keeps them from earning their full pre-injury wages. However, if you decide to leave the workforce, you could lose your right to these benefits.

“What If I Quit My Job Before Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim?”

It’s usually best to try to stay in your current job at least until your claim is settled. This helps avoid complications that could delay or devalue your claim. However, if you quit your job before filling your work injury claim, you may still be able to file a claim against your former employer and get compensation. 

“What If I Quit My Job and Then Discover a Delayed Injury? Can I Still Pursue Compensation?”

Under the Missouri workers’ comp system, injured employees should report their injury to their employer within 30 days after their injury. Failure to do so may result in workers’ comp benefits being reduced or denied.

However, the time period for reporting your injury typically doesn’t start until you discover you have a work-related injury or illness. This means you may still be eligible for compensation if you discover you have a delayed work-related injured.

Speak With a Workers Comp Attorney Before Quitting

No matter how good your reasons are for leaving your job while receiving workers’ comp benefits, it’s generally a good idea to speak with an experienced workers’ comp attorney before quitting. An experienced attorney can evaluate your claim and help you make good decisions that will protect your right to full and fair compensation after a work injury.

Speak With a Workers Comp Attorney

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Call (314) 361-4300
Updated: September 8, 2021