Can I Get A New Job While On Work Comp

Finder Law Serves Clients Across Jefferson City, Columbia, and Central Missouri

Kara McNabb • May 8, 2025

Can You Get a New Job While on Workers' Compensation in Missouri?

Workers' compensation is designed to provide financial support and medical care to employees who are injured on the job. However, many workers who are receiving workers' compensation benefits may wonder whether they are allowed to seek other employment during their recovery. In Missouri, the answer isn’t straightforward, and it largely depends on your specific situation. Here's an overview of what you need to know if you’re considering looking for a new job while receiving workers' compensation benefits.

What is Workers' Compensation?

Before we dive into the specifics, it’s important to understand the basics of workers' compensation. In Missouri, workers' compensation is a state-mandated program that provides benefits to employees who suffer work-related injuries or illnesses. These benefits can cover:


  • Medical Expenses: Treatment for the injury or illness.


  • Temporary Disability Benefits: Wage replacement if the worker is unable to work for a period.


  • Permanent Disability Benefits: Long-term financial compensation if the worker has lasting impairments.



  • Vocational Rehabilitation: Services to help an injured worker return to employment, if possible.

Can I Get a New Job While on Workers' Compensation in Missouri?

In Missouri, there is no blanket rule that prohibits someone from seeking or accepting new employment while receiving workers' compensation benefits. However, certain factors come into play that could affect your eligibility for workers' comp benefits if you decide to look for a new job.

1. Your Current Ability to Work

One of the key factors in whether you can pursue other employment while on workers' comp is whether you are physically capable of doing so. If your doctor has indicated that you are able to return to work in some capacity (either full-time or part-time), you might be able to take another job without jeopardizing your benefits. However, if your injury or illness prevents you from working at all, then pursuing another job might be seen as inconsistent with your workers' comp claim.

2. Restrictions Imposed by Your Doctor

Workers' compensation cases often involve medical evaluations to determine the extent of your injuries. If your doctor has placed restrictions on the type of work you can perform due to your injury, taking a job that doesn’t align with those restrictions could jeopardize your workers' compensation benefits. For example, if you are restricted to light-duty work or cannot lift more than a certain weight, accepting a physically demanding job would be a violation of your doctor’s orders and could raise concerns for the insurance company.

3. The Impact on Temporary Disability Benefits

If you are receiving temporary disability benefits (which are typically meant to replace lost wages during recovery), you may risk losing these benefits if you take another job. Specifically, if your new job pays more than your workers’ comp benefits, or if your new job results in a reduced level of disability, your benefits could be adjusted or discontinued. The Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation may reassess your case if they determine that you’re no longer entitled to the full wage replacement.

4. Good Faith in Reporting Employment

If you do decide to pursue another job while receiving workers’ compensation benefits, it’s crucial to report your employment to the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation. Failing to report additional income or new employment could be considered fraud, which is a serious legal offense and could result in penalties, including the loss of benefits.

5. Part-Time or Light-Duty Work Options

In some cases, injured workers may be able to return to part-time or light-duty work that aligns with their medical restrictions. If you find a job that accommodates your current physical limitations, and your employer is willing to work with your restrictions, you may be able to earn additional income while still receiving partial benefits. In these cases, workers' compensation may provide a reduced benefit that supplements your new earnings, rather than replacing your entire wage.

6. Vocational Rehabilitation and Job Search Assistance

Missouri law requires that workers who suffer permanent disabilities that prevent them from returning to their previous jobs may be eligible for vocational rehabilitation benefits. This can include assistance in finding new employment that is within your physical capabilities. If you are receiving vocational rehabilitation, you may be working with a counselor to help you find suitable work, which could include looking for a new job. However, you should still be transparent with your vocational counselor and the workers' compensation insurance carrier to avoid any potential issues.

What Happens If I Take a Job Without Reporting It?

If you decide to take a new job while receiving workers' compensation benefits and fail to report it, you could be committing workers' compensation fraud. Failing to report new employment or income could result in severe consequences, including:


  • Loss of Benefits: Your workers' compensation benefits could be terminated.


  • Repayment of Benefits: If it is determined that you were not entitled to benefits during the time you were working, you may have to pay back any benefits you received.


  • Legal Penalties: Workers' compensation fraud is a criminal offense in Missouri and can lead to criminal charges, fines, and even imprisonment.

Conclusion

In Missouri, it is possible to look for and even secure a new job while on workers' compensation, but it is essential to proceed with caution. Your ability to take on new work will largely depend on your medical restrictions, the nature of the job, and your current status with workers' compensation benefits. Be sure to:


  • Consult with your doctor to ensure any new employment complies with your physical restrictions.


  • Notify the workers' compensation insurer and the Missouri Division of Workers' Compensation about any changes in your employment status.


  • Avoid taking a job that would compromise your recovery or workers' compensation claim.


Navigating workers' compensation and finding new employment can be tricky, so it’s advisable to consult with an attorney who specializes in workers' compensation law to ensure you’re complying with all the relevant regulations and protecting your rights.


If you’re in this situation and unsure about your options, seeking professional legal advice is a smart step to avoid potential complications. Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC has extensive experience in workers compensation law and can help guide you through this often-confusing process.


Contact our office today to set up a consultation to discuss your legal needs.

This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our office directly.

Cole County Fatal Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
A 21-year-old Kansas City man died from injuries he suffered in a crash on Wednesday on Highway 54 at Monticello Road in Cole County, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The report says the man drove a 2011 Volkswagen Jetta southbound and was attempting to cross Highway 54. The report claims the man failed to yield to a 2014 Ford Edge – driven by a 79-year-old Crocker, Missouri, woman – and was hit. The man was brought to Capital Region Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead. The woman had serious injuries and was flown to University Hospital in Columbia. Both drivers wore seatbelts and both vehicles were totaled. Serious intersection crashes can leave completely innocent drivers facing life-altering injuries in a matter of seconds. When another motorist fails to yield and causes a high-impact collision, the not-at-fault driver often suffers significant physical trauma requiring emergency transport, hospitalization, and ongoing medical care. Even with seatbelts in use, these crashes can result in fractures, internal injuries, head trauma, and a long road to recovery—along with mounting medical bills and emotional distress. Insurance companies may still attempt to minimize claims or limit compensation, making experienced legal representation essential to protect your rights. If you or a loved one has been injured due to another driver’s failure to yield, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today to discuss your options and protect your claim. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & KMIZ.

Morgan County Multi Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
An Owensville woman was hospitalized after a four-vehicle crash in Morgan County on Friday night. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the crash occurred on U.S. 50 just before 10 p.m. The report says the 61-year-old was traveling west in a 2025 Nissan Altima, when the vehicle crossed the center of the road and side swiped a 2004 Honda Odessey. The Odessey had attempted to avoid the Altima, the report states. The Nissan then crashed into a 2025 Hyundai Elantra head-on. A fourth vehicle-- a 2013 Honda Accord-- also crashed into the Hyundai. The Owensville woman was taken to University Hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the Hyundai-- a 21-year-old California, Missouri man suffered moderate injuries in the crash. The two other drivers were not injured. According to the report, all four drivers were wearing their seatbelts when the crash occurred. Multi-vehicle crashes are often chaotic, violent events that leave innocent drivers seriously injured through no fault of their own. When one vehicle crosses the centerline, it can trigger a chain reaction of collisions, including sideswipes and head-on impacts, dramatically increasing the force of the crash and the severity of injuries. Victims in these situations frequently face hospitalization, extensive medical treatment, lost income, and a long recovery—despite doing everything right, including wearing a seatbelt and attempting to avoid the collision. Determining liability in a four-vehicle crash can be complex, and insurance companies may attempt to shift blame or minimize payouts. If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious multi-vehicle collision, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law , LLC today to discuss your options and protect your claim. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & KMIZ.

Morgan County Pedestrian Injury

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
A man from Stover was hospitalized after an unknown vehicle struck him and left Friday morning on Route W, according to authorities. The Missouri State Highway Patrol said the 35-year-old was directing traffic south of Golden Beach Rd around 8 a.m., Feb. 20, when a vehicle hit him and fled the scene. The man sustained moderate injuries, and was transported to Lake Regional Hospital by Mid-Mo Ambulance. Information on the vehicle is currently unknown. Pedestrian crashes are among the most vulnerable and traumatic types of roadway incidents, often leaving victims with significant injuries and a long recovery ahead. When a driver strikes someone on foot—especially in a hit-and-run situation—the physical, emotional, and financial toll can be overwhelming. Even injuries initially described as “moderate” may require extensive medical treatment, time away from work, and ongoing care. If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian due to a negligent or fleeing driver, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today to discuss your options and protect your claim. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & The Lake Expo.

Cole County Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
A 61-year old Sunrise Beach man was injured on February 21, 2026 in a car crash in Cole County. The report says a 25-year old New Franklin man driving a 2019 Ford F150 crossed the path of the Sunrise Beach man, driving a 2023 Honda CRV, on US 54 at Rockport Hills Road. The Sunrise Beach man was treated by EMS on scene. Both drivers wore seatbelts. The Ford F150 was moderately damaged, but the 2023 Honda CRV had extensive damage. Crashes caused by a driver crossing into another vehicle’s path can leave innocent motorists dealing with painful injuries and significant vehicle damage in an instant. Even when a victim is treated at the scene rather than immediately transported to the hospital, symptoms can worsen in the hours and days that follow, leading to additional medical care, missed work, and unexpected expenses. The force of an impact strong enough to cause extensive damage to a vehicle often results in more than just temporary soreness. Insurance companies may attempt to downplay injuries that were initially treated on scene, making it important to take proactive steps to protect your claim. If you or a loved one has been injured because another driver failed to yield or crossed into your path, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today to discuss your options and protect your claim. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Miller County Motorcycle Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
A 21-year-old motorcycle rider was seriously injured in a Tuesday afternoon crash on Route W in Miller County, just east of Lighthouse Road, according to a crash report from the Missouri State Highway Patrol. The report says the man rode his 2013 Harley Davidson 1200 Custom westbound when he crossed the centerline and hit the driver’s side of a 2023 Ford Expedition. The Ford was driven by a 67-year-old Lake Ozark man. The Eldon man did not wear a helmet and was brought to Lake Regional Hospital by ambulance, the report says. The driver of the Ford wore a seatbelt and had no reported injuries. The Harley was totaled, while the Ford had moderate damage, the report says. Motorcycle crashes often result in severe injuries due to the limited protection riders have compared to occupants of passenger vehicles. Collisions involving a motorcycle and a larger SUV or truck can leave riders facing extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, lost income, and long-term physical challenges. Even when questions arise about helmet use or fault, injured motorcyclists still have important legal rights, and liability is not always as straightforward as an initial crash report may suggest. Insurance companies frequently scrutinize motorcycle claims and attempt to limit payouts, making experienced legal guidance essential from the start. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motorcycle accident, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today to discuss your options and protect your claim. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & KMIZ.

Camden County ATV Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
Three teens from Sunrise Beach went to the hospital after crashing a UTV on private property Sunday evening. According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, a 14-year-old girl was driving a 2010 Polaris Ranger in a field on Old Sawmill Road when she made an abrupt turn, causing the vehicle to overturn around 6:16 p.m., Feb. 15. The driver and two occupants, including another 14-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, sustained minor injuries. None of them were reportedly wearing a safety device. An ambulance transported all three teens to Lake Regional Hospital. Accidents involving UTVs and other off-road vehicles can happen in an instant, especially when abrupt maneuvers lead to rollovers. Even when injuries are initially described as “minor,” young passengers may still face medical expenses, follow-up care, and lingering pain that affects school, sports, and daily activities. These incidents often raise important questions about supervision, safety devices, insurance coverage, and potential liability—particularly when they occur on private property. Insurance companies may attempt to downplay the seriousness of the injuries or shift responsibility, making it important to understand your legal rights from the beginning. If your child has been injured in a UTV or off-road vehicle accident, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today to discuss your options and protect your claim. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol & The Lake Expo.

Osage County Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
Two females were injured in a two-car crash on Osage County on February 14, 2026. The driver of a 2023 Ford Bronco was making a left turn out of a private drive and was struck by the driver of a 2019 GMC Terrain. The driver of the Ford Bronco was taken by Osage EMS to University Hospital with minor injuries. The driver of the GMC Terrain was taken by Osage EMS to Capital Region, also with minor injuries. Even what seem like “minor” injuries after a car crash can have lasting consequences. Symptoms such as neck stiffness, back pain, headaches, or numbness often do not fully appear until hours or even days later, and soft tissue injuries can worsen without proper medical evaluation and documentation. Insurance companies frequently attempt to minimize these claims, offering quick settlements that may not account for future treatment, lost wages, or long-term discomfort. An experienced personal injury attorney can help ensure your injuries are properly documented, your rights are protected, and you receive fair compensation for the full extent of your damages. If you or a loved one has been involved in a car crash—even if the injuries seem minor— contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today to discuss your options and protect your claim. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Cooper County Car Crash

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
A Ballwin, Missouri woman was injured in a crash that shut down part of Interstate 70 in Cooper County Saturday evening. According to a Missouri State Highway Patrol crash report, the 34-year-old was driving a 2022 Hyundai Elantra eastbound on I-70 around 4:30 p.m., west of the Missouri River Bridge. The car hydroplaned and hit a guardrail near mile marker 113. A 28-year-old Kansas man was also headed eastbound, driving a Kenworth T680 semi-truck, and hit the crashed car. The semi then jackknifed, flipped on its side and hit the concrete median barrier, the report says. The Missouri woman had moderate injuries and was taken to University Hospital by ambulance. The man was not hurt. The report says the vehicles were totaled, and both drivers were wearing seatbelts. Crashes involving hydroplaning, multi-vehicle impacts, and commercial semi-trucks can escalate in seconds and often result in serious, life-disrupting injuries. Even when injuries are described as “moderate,” victims may face significant medical treatment, missed work, ongoing pain, and uncertainty about their long-term recovery. Collisions that involve large commercial vehicles are especially complex, frequently requiring investigation into multiple drivers, companies, and insurance policies. Insurance carriers often move quickly to protect their own interests, making it critical for injured individuals to have experienced legal guidance from the outset. If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash like this, contact Daniel Finder at Finder Law, LLC today to discuss your options and protect your claim. All facts of the incident are based on preliminary reporting done by The Missouri State Highway Patrol and KMIZ.

Why You Might Need a Guardian ad Litem in a Missouri Divorce

By Alyssa Finder • February 25, 2026
Divorce cases involving children can be especially complex and emotionally charged. When disputes arise over custody, visitation, or a child’s well-being, Missouri courts may appoint a guardian ad litem (GAL) to help protect the child’s best interests. Understanding the role of a guardian ad litem—and why one might be appointed—can help parents better navigate the divorce process.  If you are facing a divorce involving minor children, knowing when and why a GAL may become involved is an important part of preparing your case.

Options for Missouri Business Owners to Collect Unpaid Debts

By Alyssa Finder • February 18, 2026
Running a business in Missouri often involves extending credit to customers, clients, or other businesses. While most customers pay their bills on time, unpaid debts can create significant cash flow issues and affect the overall health of your business. Fortunately, Missouri law provides several avenues for business owners to pursue collection of unpaid debts.  Understanding your options and the proper legal procedures can help you recover the money you are owed efficiently and effectively.