We are frequently asked whether moving from one state to another will have any legal consequences for a workers’ compensation case. The answer is no. Your rights are not changed if you move from the state where the law is being applied to your case. If injured workers are entitled to benefits under a state’s law, it does not matter where the worker lives.

However, moving will have several practical effects on a workers’ compensation case. Benefit payments are sometimes interrupted with address changes, and injured workers must keep everyone advised of the correct address so checks can get to the right location. People who should be notified as soon as you know the new address include your lawyer and the insurance adjuster (if you are not represented). In certain states, you may also need to advise a state agency if the insurance is administered by a state fund.

Medical care becomes more complicated when an injured worker moves. State laws are different on who can pick your doctor, and moving usually requires changing doctors, therapists, and pharmacies. The workers’ compensation lawyer or his staff members should help you with these changes.

It is essential that injured workers get proper care. To get proper care, the health-care provider needs to have billing information, as most will not treat if payment is not certain. Once again, your lawyer or her staff should help with these issues.

Moving will make appearing at depositions, hearings, or trial more difficult because the injured worker will be required to appear at such events in the state that has jurisdiction

Moving will make appearing at depositions, hearings, or trial more difficult because the injured worker will be required to appear at such events in the state that has jurisdiction. Some states are making this somewhat easier by allowing video conference appearance, but this is the exception not the rule.