You’ve been injured at work and are receiving workers’ compensation benefits, but your doctor or your employer’s insurance company wants to schedule you for a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE). You’re probably feeling nervous and wondering how this will affect both your healing process and your benefits.
Quick Answer
An FCE test plays an important role in your workers’ compensation claim, but it doesn’t automatically determine whether or not you are eligible for a workers’ compensation settlement. Let’s discuss what an FCE helps determine and what it means for your claim.
What Is a Functional Capacity Evaluation in Workers’ Comp?
A functional capacity evaluation workers’ comp exam is a physical test designed to measure what you can and cannot safely do after a workplace injury. Think of it like a measuring stick that shows your treating physician and employer the extent to which a work-related injury has changed your ability to work.
During an FCE test, a medical professional, sometimes a physical therapist, may evaluate your ability to perform certain tasks, such as:
- Lift, carry, push, or pull certain weights
- Sit, stand, or walk for specific periods
- Bend, squat, or reach
- Perform movements similar to your job duties
The ultimate goal is to get a comprehensive medical assessment of your current physical limitations and determine your work capacity. These results are then placed in a report that will be reviewed by doctors, employers, insurance companies, and any attorneys who may be involved with your workers’ compensation claim.
Does an FCE Test Decide Your Workers’ Comp Settlement Value?
No, an FCE test does not automatically decide your settlement, but it can influence how your workers’ compensation case is valued. An FCE report might be used to help determine whether you can return to your previous job and if you need to be restricted to light-duty or modified duties. An FCE can also determine if you have permanent physical restrictions and help your employer’s insurer get a better idea of how much you’ve lost and will lose in wages.
Normally, Pennsylvania workers’ compensation cases are based on the overall value of future lost wages and medical benefits. An FCE is one piece of evidence that insurers can use to determine those amounts. Many other factors, like medical records, physician opinions, your weekly wage, and whether or not you are permanently impaired, also play a role in determining a settlement.
Why an Insurer May Ask for Your FCE Results
It can be frightening to learn that an insurer has requested you to have an FCE, but this is a very common part of a workers’ compensation settlement case. Insurers may request an FCE if you’ve been out of work for an extended period of time or if they believe you may be able to return to work.
If settlement discussions have begun, an FCE test will be requested so the insurer has clear documentation about your current physical abilities. The FCE provides the data the insurance company needs to negotiate a settlement. It’s important to remember you aren’t being tested; your physical abilities are simply being evaluated.
What to Expect During an FCE
During an FCE, a provider will work with you and ask you to perform certain tasks that gradually increase in difficulty. Your movements, heart rate, posture, and consistency of effort will all be monitored and recorded.
An FCE can take several hours. It’s important to give an honest effort without pushing yourself beyond your limits. It’s never a good idea to exaggerate your pain or refuse to participate, but pushing through severe pain can aggravate your injuries.
Can an FCE Report Hurt Your Case?
That depends. For example, if an FCE concludes that you can perform medium-duty work when you believe you cannot safely perform those tasks, the insurance company may use that report to reduce your workers’ comp benefits. On the other hand, if the FCE confirms you have significant restrictions, it could strengthen your workers’ compensation case and support a higher settlement value.
When settlement negotiations begin, both sides begin to evaluate risk to determine how much your workers’ comp claim is worth. If an FCE suggests you can return to full-duty work, the insurance company may argue that your future earning capacity is limited. This could reduce the amount they’re willing to offer.
If the FCE supports permanent restrictions that limit your earning capacity, that may increase the value of your claim. Keep in mind that the FCE is only one piece of evidence that will be used to determine your settlement value.
Talk to a Workers’ Compensation Attorney if You Were Scheduled for a Workers’ Comp Settlement FCE
If you’ve been injured at work, speaking to an experienced workers’ comp attorney can help ease the stress of the workers’ comp claims process and protect your rights. At Pond Lehocky, our team of attorneys understands how Pennsylvania workers’ compensation law works and how an FCE is used in settlement negotiations.
If you’re out of work and facing a Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE), contact our office today for a free consultation to learn how we can help.
