Worker's Comp, New Job, Question?

[nurse890]

Hi, I am new to this site.

I am filling out paper work for a new job. It is a floor nurse job. It asks if I have ever filed a worker's compensation claim before.

I have a previous worker's comp claim for a minor back injury. The claim is still open.

However I do not need any reasonable accommodations. I am not on any job or weight restrictions. I never had to take time off for this injury. The injury will not prevent me from doing my job.

How do I fill out the medical history report? Do I disclose this claim? What about the pre-employment physical I will have to do?

I do not want to have my new job offer revoked due to mentioning this claim. I do not want to pretend it doesn't exist either. Will honesty jeopardize my chances of working this job?

Can employers look up your workers comp claim? Does this show up in your background check?

Who would be the best person to ask about this (my worker's comp claims analyst, the doctor I am seeing for this issue, an attorney, etc.)? I am having trouble finding much info about this in my state (CO).

Has anyone had issues disclosing a worker's comp claim to a new employer? I am curious if anyone has been in this situation before and if you have any insight or advice.

Thanks.

[llg, PhD, RN]

I would never lie on an application. If your lie is discovered, it would probably lead to automatic termination with an "ineligible for re-hire" on your record.

I had a Worker's Comp claim years ago when I applied for my current job. The case was resolved and didn't lead to long-term problems. I was honest about it (as I was about my permanent hearing and balance disabilities). It did not involve a back injury, but rather a broken arm and rotator cuff injury. As back injuries are more risky for hospitals and a staff nurse job, I'd voluntarily submit my records to show that it will not affect my ability to do my job as part of my application.

I'm no legal expert ... but that's what I would do.

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

Dishonesty will always catch up with you and bite you on the butt.