Can I Quit My Job While On Workers’ Comp?

There is no law that prevents you from quitting your job while on workers’ comp, and your medical treatment and permanent disability benefits can continue. However, quitting may affect some aspects of your benefits and rights, it’s important to understand the consequences and when to speak with a workers’ compensation lawyer in Los Angeles.

Benefits That Can be Impacted by Quitting

Some benefits may be affected if you quit. For example: 

Temporary Disability Benefits
These benefits replace a portion of your lost wages while you are recovering. If your employer offered modified or light-duty work that you declined by quitting, you may lose the right to ongoing temporary disability payments. The insurer may argue that you are voluntarily limiting your income.

Supplemental Job Displacement Benefits (SJDB)
This benefit provides a voucher for job retraining or skill enhancement if your employer cannot offer suitable work. If you quit before your employer had a chance to offer modified work, you may lose eligibility for this voucher.

Vocational Rehabilitation Support
Quitting can limit your access to certain state-sponsored return-to-work or retraining programs if you leave before your employer evaluates work restrictions.

What an Employee Cannot Do While on Workers’ Comp in California

While you receive workers’ compensation benefits you must follow specific rules to keep your claim valid. Violating them can lead to reduced benefits or claim denial. Here are the key restrictions:

• Do Not Work Another Job Without Disclosure: If you begin working elsewhere while collecting workers’ comp benefits and fail to report it, the insurance company may accuse you of fraud.
• Do Not Ignore Medical Restrictions: You must follow your doctor’s instructions. If you overexert yourself or refuse treatment, your benefits could be cut off.
• Do Not Miss Medical Appointments: Skipping medical visits or independent medical exams (IMEs) may delay your benefits or lead to case dismissal.

However, quitting may influence certain benefits, especially if your employer offers light-duty work that you decline.

Can I File a Workers’ Comp Claim After Quitting in California?

It is possible to still file a workers’ compensation claim after quitting or being fired from your job in California but it can be more complicated. You must prove that your injury occurred while you were still employed and that it was work-related. In these situations, documentation becomes critical. Gather medical records, accident reports, and witness statements to support your claim. The longer you wait after quitting, the harder it may be to prove the injury occurred on the job. 

If your injury developed over time—such as repetitive stress, back strain, or carpal tunnel—you may still file a claim after leaving, but you must report the injury to your employer as soon as you recognize it. California law generally requires injured workers to report the injury within 30 days of awareness and to file a formal workers’ comp claim within one year. To better understand what to expect, check out our guide on how long will a worker’s compensation claim take?

Talk to a Workers’ Comp Attorney Before Quitting

It is highly recommended to speak with a workers’ compensation attorney before quitting your job. An experienced attorney can review your situation and explain how quitting may impact your claim. They can also help you document your reason for leaving, advise whether your employer is offering suitable work, and protect your right to continued medical care and permanent disability compensation.