How Do Functional Capacity Evaluations Impact Workers’ Comp?
If you’re dealing with the workers’ compensation system in Louisiana, you may have to complete functional capacity evaluations (FCEs). How do functional capacity evaluations impact workers’ comp?
These assessments help medical professionals determine the extent of your limitations and physical abilities following an accident. The results can impact your settlement amount. You can learn more with a Lafayette workers’ compensation lawyer.
Our team at Laborde Earles can discuss your workers’ comp claim and help you secure compensation. Call or fill out our online contact form to get started.
What’s a Functional Capacity Evaluation?
You may have to complete an FCE after accidents at work. The evaluation includes:
- Practices
- Tests
- Observations
Generally, trained medical professionals perform the evaluation to assess your ability to work and go through the tasks of daily living. The tests attempt to simulate the pressures you’d experience in an eight-hour workday.
During the evaluation, you may have to demonstrate your ability to:
- Stoop
- Climb
- Carry
- Balance
The tests aim to evaluate your strength, motor skills, flexibility, and endurance. The exact nature of the tests can vary based on the physical demands of your job before an accident. Your attorney can provide more information dealing with your specific situation.
How Does an FCE Impact Your Workers’ Comp Claim?
You may have to complete FCE testing after a workplace accident in Louisiana. These tests may impact your Louisiana workers’ compensation claim by establishing permanent impairment or disability.
Sometimes, workplace accidents leave workers with permanent disabilities and impairments. FCE testing can establish the level of your impairment.
The degree of disability caused by your accident can impact the amount of workers’ comp benefits you receive and the length of time you receive benefits. Therefore, your FCE results can play a major role in your workers’ comp claim.
What Are Other Impacts of FCE Testing?
FCE testing in Louisiana may have other impacts after an on-the-job accident. For example, these tests can:
Determine Your Ability to Return to Work
Often, workers in Louisiana have to complete FCE assessments before they can go back to work. Your testing may provide you with information about when it’s safe for you to work again, either in your previous job or in a new role that fits your physical abilities.
Identify Necessary Accommodations
Completing FCEs can help you request necessary accommodations when you return to work after getting in an accident. For example, the test results may indicate that your employer needs to change your hours or the equipment you operate.
Help with Planning Rehabilitation
Functional Capacity Evaluations can identify your physical capabilities and limitations. This information can help medical professionals set up a play for physical therapy and rehabilitation that can help you further recover after an on-the-job accident.
Protect You from Future Injuries
Finally, your FCEs can help you avoid future injuries while working. Understanding your functional capacity means you can feel confident about working a job that meets your physical abilities, reducing the odds of more accidents.
How Should You Approach Your FCEs?
The results of FCEs can impact your workers’ comp claim, so it’s essential to approach these assessments the right way. Make sure that you:
- Tell the truth about your pain levels
- Talk honestly about your physical abilities
- Avoid pain medication around the test unless instructed to take medication
Providing accurate information about the extent of your injuries and recovery is essential. You can speak with your lawyer before going in for the FCEs if you have specific questions and want additional information about the process.
Discussing workers’ comp with a doctor can feel complicated. We can help you go over topics to avoid and what information you should share.
What Happens During FCEs?
Functional Capacity Evaluations can involve a number of steps. Depending on your situation, you may need to:
- Complete an interview and provide information regarding your medical history
- Submit to a physical examination
- Go through functional testing
- Complete a pain assessment
After completing these steps, the medical professional handling the evaluation will write a report including information about potential limitations and restrictions on your return to work. The report may also detail disabilities that prevent you from returning to work.
Our legal team can help you determine if you qualify for workers’ comp benefits and discuss everything you should expect after a workplace accident, including FCEs. We’re ready to assist you today.
Learn About Workers’ Comp Claims and Functional Capacity Evaluations
How do functional capacity evaluations impact workers’ comp? These assessments provide information about your ability to return to work after sustaining injuries in an accident and may officially report on disabilities you face from the accident.
This information can impact your ability to receive workers’ comp benefits. You can learn more with our team at Laborde Earles. Call or complete our online contact form for professional help.
