If you have been injured on the job, you can pursue a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Workers’ compensation benefits can be very helpful while you recover from your work-related injury. Workers’ compensation includes medical benefits and covers a portion of your lost wages while you are recovering. Your physician will provide you with documentation that indicates you are unable to work or that you have specific limitations or restrictions. You should abide by your doctor’s orders. What Is Light Duty Work? If you have suffered an on-the-job injury that requires medical care, you might not be able to perform all the regular tasks and functions that are associated with your job. If you are unable to work, you will receive workers’ compensation benefits that pay about two-thirds of your lost wages. If you are told you can perform light duty work, there are two possibilities of what your employer can do: You can be provided with light duty work OR You can continue to receive short-term disability benefits and be completely off work if no light duty work is available Does My Employer Have To Offer Light Duty Work? Your employer often receives incentives from its worker’s compensation insurer to provide injured workers with light duty work when necessary. By doing so, the insurance carrier must pay out fewer benefits as an injured worker is recovering from the workplace accident. If your employer does offer you light duty work, it must be compatible with the doctor’s orders as they pertain to restrictions or limitations you have been given. This means that your light duty will need to have reduced work hours and restricted duties that meet the medical criteria. For many workers, being given light duty work often involves many of their regular work-related duties, but it doesn’t have specific strenuous tasks, such as heavy lifting. It might include help with the duties, such as reduced hours, more frequent breaks, or the ability to sit on a stool rather than stand. Sometimes, light duty work might be a completely different job role. Example Scenario You were working your job in the warehouse when you fell backwards from a ladder and suffered an injury to your lower back. You are given the opportunity to do light duty work, so your employer gives you back your regular job with the same responsibilities, but you sit on a stool rather than stand for your full shift. You can take a break to stretch every 15 minutes, and you don’t operate the heavy equipment that requires strenuous activity. Consult With A Workers’ Compensation Attorney If you have suffered injuries while working, you should consult with a workers’ compensation attorney. Your lawyer will ensure your rights are protected and that you are treated fairly. To get your case reviewed by a workers’ compensation attorney who is licensed in your state, complete the Free Case Evaluation Form on this page today! Don’t delay, a statute of limitations applies. Additional Resources If You Are Being Forced Into Accepting A Light Duty Job What If I'm on Light Duty But I Still Have Trouble Doing My Job?
