Ep. 151 - Should I use my PTO or Vacation for Workers' Comp?

Ep. 151 - Should I use my PTO or Vacation for Workers' Comp?

From Work Comp Talk Podcast by Work Comp Talk Podcast

March 31, 2026 · 20 min · Episode 151

About this episode

This episode discusses the implications of using PTO instead of Workers' Compensation after a workplace injury.

If you got injured at work and your employer told you to use your PTO… You might be losing money without even knowing it. In this episode 151 of Work Comp Talk, Carmen Ramirez is joined by Bilal Kassem from Pacific Workers to break down when you should and when you should not use your PTO while on Workers' Compensation. Most injured workers don't realize this can c ost them mone y, b urn through their earned time off , and impact their financial stability . If your employer is telling you not to report your injury or to use your own time first, that could be a major red flag. Takeaways: Don't use PTO if your Workers' Comp case is accepted. Workers' Comp provides wage replacement (TTD). You can recover money… but NOT your time Employer policies can still affect your job status Never assume you'll get your PTO back Chapters 0:00 - Can They Fire You for Injury? 1:45 - Absence Policies: What They Hide 3:20 - PTO vs Workers Comp: D on't use It First! 5:10 - Shady Boss Tricks Exposed 7:00 - 132a Claims & amp; Discrimination Wins 8:40 - Retirement + Injury: The Deadly Mistake 10:00 - Protect Yourself now: Top Tips This episode is sponsored by Pacific Workers, The Lawyers for Injured…

People in this episode

Host: Carmen Ramirez

Guest: Bilal Kassem

Topics covered

  • Workers' Compensation
  • PTO
  • Financial Stability
  • Employer Policies
  • Injury at Work

Keywords

  • PTO
  • Workers' Compensation
  • financial impact
  • employer policies
  • injury
  • wage replacement
  • time off

Sponsors

Pacific Workers

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