By Sophie Mongeon, attorney-at-law
In the difficult times around a work accident, some workers would like to go back to their country for a while or to get out of Quebec for some time. However, several conditions must be respected in order to keep your CNESST file in order.
Indeed, your compensation officer must allow your departure beforehand. He or she will want to meet with you to evaluate your readaptation needs while abroad. You will need to establish a plan to keep your medical visits regular and to keep receiving your treatments outside of Quebec and you will have to provide them with periodical follow-ups on your condition.
In short, you are obligated to give the CNESST all the necessary information for them to keep managing your file, despite the fact that you are in another country. If you don’t respect the terms of your engagement, the CNESST could decide to suspend your indemnities until you do.
Remember also that your employer has the right to ask you to do a temporary assignment which you will have to fulfill if your doctor agrees that you are able to do it. He also has the right to send you to the expert of his choice to examine your condition. If he does, you will have no choice but to go to the appointment if you do not want your indemnities to be suspended.