If you suffered an injury on the job that resulted in you filing a workers’ compensation claim and being awarded workers’ compensation benefits, you might have to take some time off work while you are recovering. During your time off work, you will receive about two-thirds your regular salary. At some point, before you can return to your regular job duties, you might be released to do light duty work. What happens to your workers’ compensation benefits is dependent on your situation and the details regarding your light duty assignment. Sometimes an employee will be given a light duty assignment that meets the medical restrictions, but they will continue to earn the same wages and work the same hours. In that case, you will only have medical benefits and will not be paid anything toward your wages because you are earning your regular pay. If you have returned to light duty work, but you are working fewer hours than you normally would, or you are earning less pay, workers’ compensation is designed to pay the difference in your wages. You will continue to get two-thirds your regular salary to make up the difference. Workers’ Compensation and Light Duty Work Many employers have a set limit on light duty work. For example, you might only be able to have the light duty role for 90 days. If after the 90 days is up you cannot return to your regular job, then you will resume workers’ compensation benefits. Your doctor must also review your condition and determine if you will be able to return to your regular job role or if you might need to go through vocational retraining to qualify for another type of job duty. Light duty jobs meet the restrictions and limitations ordered by the doctor in his or her excuse. This might mean you cannot stand a full shift so you are allowed to sit on a stool, or you might not be able to lift boxes weighing more than 10 pounds so they rerouted the heavier boxes elsewhere. Light duty can be a completely new role or a job that they created, or it might be your regular job with some modifications. Either way, it must observe the restrictions or limitations as ordered by your treating provider. Consult With A Personal Injury Attorney If you have suffered injuries in a workplace accident, you can pursue a workers’ compensation claim. You should consult with a workplace injury attorney who is licensed in your state. If you suffered injuries on the job, you are entitled to medical benefits and to have a portion of your lost wages covered. Workers’ compensation attorneys work on a contingency basis, so you will not have any out of pocket expenses. Your lawyer will be paid when you are awarded a settlement. Complete the Free Case Evaluation Form today, so you can get your claim on the right track! Additional Resources Can I Refuse Reemployment With Light-Duty Work Restraints? How Should I Tell My Employer About My Light Duty Work Restrictions?
