Can I Go Fishing While On Workers’ Comp?

Just because you’re on workers’ comp doesn’t mean you’re stuck on the couch 24/7. 

Life keeps moving, and honestly, you still want to enjoy a few things like maybe fishing, getting outdoors, or just doing something that helps you breathe easier for a minute. 

However, workers’ comp comes with rules, and doing something that seems innocent (like casting a fishing line) could cause problems with your claim if you’re not careful.

In this post, we’ll explain if you can go fishing while on workers’ comp.

Can I Go Fishing While On Workers’ Comp?

You can go fishing… as long as it doesn’t go against your medical restrictions.

Let’s say you’ve got a shoulder injury and your doctor told you no lifting or overhead movement. Casting a fishing rod, reeling in a fish, or even carrying your gear might all count as “no”. 

On the other hand, if you’re recovering from something mild and your doctor says you’re fine to walk or sit by the lake, it might be perfectly okay.

The important thing is what your doctor has cleared you to do. 

If fishing fits within your activity guidelines, then it’s usually fine. 

But always, always double check.

Also Read: Workers’ Comp Case Closed But Still In Pain

When Fishing Can Hurt Your Claim

Even if you’re being honest, doing something like fishing can look bad if taken out of context.

Let’s say you’re claiming back pain so severe you can’t sit at a desk or walk for long. 

But then someone spots you out at the lake, standing for hours, bending over your tackle box, and pulling in a fish. Even if that one day was the only time you left the house all week, it might raise eyebrows.

It doesn’t matter that you were sore afterward. Or that your buddy helped you carry everything. If someone sees you fishing and doesn’t know the full story, it can look like you’re exaggerating or faking your injury. And that can seriously hurt your case.

Here are a few situations where fishing could throw a wrench in your claim:

Also Read: 9 Workers’ Comp Adjuster Tricks

• You’re recovering from a back or spine injury, and you’re seen lifting gear or sitting in a small boat all day
  
• Your doctor restricted any kind of repetitive arm motion, but you’re casting over and over
  
• You’re claiming you’re too hurt to work at all, yet you’re out on a weekend fishing trip with friends
  
• You’ve said you can’t drive or leave the house, and someone spots you traveling to a far-off fishing spot

It’s not about fishing being “bad.” It’s about how it looks compared to the injury you’re claiming.

Surveillance Is Real

People really do get watched! Insurance companies and employers sometimes hire private investigators to check if someone is actually as injured as they say they are. 

That means video surveillance, photos, even social media snooping.

You could be out doing something totally harmless and innocent, and it still gets twisted into “proof” that you’re exaggerating.

Fishing might not seem like a big deal, but if someone records you doing it, especially without knowing what your doctor has cleared, it could be used against you. Even just walking with a cooler or standing by the water could be enough for someone to raise doubts.

So don’t do anything in public that could look like it contradicts your injury claim.

Talk To Your Doctor (And Maybe Your Lawyer)

The safest thing you can do is just ask.

Seriously, talk to your doctor and say, “Would it be okay for me to go fishing?” 

Explain what you plan to do. Will you be walking far? Lifting anything? Standing for long periods? Let them tell you what’s safe and what isn’t.

If they give you the green light, ask them to note it in your file. That way, if questions come up later, you’ve got medical backing to show you weren’t pushing yourself or ignoring instructions.

And if you’re working with a workers’ comp lawyer, it’s smart to run it by them too. They can help make sure everything is documented and that you don’t accidentally mess up your claim by doing something that seems innocent.

Also Read: What To Do When No Lawyer Will Take Your Case?

Bottom Line

You can go fishing while on workers’ comp, but only if your doctor says it’s safe and it doesn’t go against your physical restrictions.

It might feel like a low-key activity, but depending on your injury, it could raise red flags. That’s especially true if someone catches it on camera and it looks like you’re doing more than you should.

So play it smart. Get the okay from your doctor. Don’t do anything that feels risky. And when in doubt, talk to your lawyer. 

The last thing you want is to lose your benefits over a day at the lake.

FAQs

Can I Travel While On Workers Compensation?

Yes, you can travel while on workers’ comp, but only if it doesn’t interfere with your medical treatment or go against your doctor’s restrictions. 

You need to get approval from your doctor, and let your claims adjuster or lawyer know beforehand to avoid issues.

Can I Go Overseas While On Workers Compensation?

You can go overseas while on workers’ comp, but it’s much riskier. You’ll need permission from your doctor and possibly the workers’ comp board. Plus, skipping scheduled medical appointments or check-ins could lead to a suspension of benefits.

Can I Go To College While On Workers Comp?

Yes, you can go to college while receiving workers’ comp, as long as attending classes doesn’t violate your medical restrictions. If your injury allows it and your doctor approves, going to school usually won’t affect your claim.