Suffering a workplace injury can be overwhelming, but Florida’s workers’ compensation system provides support while you recover. At some point after the injury, you may be considering returning to your job on limited duties.
If your doctor clears you for work with light-duty restrictions, understanding your rights can help safeguard your workers’ compensation claim. Below are answers to frequent questions about how light-duty work may affect your benefits and employment.
What is light-duty work?
It refers to modified job tasks that accommodate an injured worker’s medical restrictions. This may include reduced physical activity, shorter hours or administrative duties instead of labor-intensive tasks.
Employers can offer light-duty work if it is available, but if they cannot, injured workers may continue receiving full benefits.
Can you refuse light-duty offers?
Generally, refusing light-duty work can impact your workers’ compensation benefits. If your employer provides a suitable position within your medical restrictions, declining it may result in reduced or discontinued benefits.
However, if the job does not align with your doctor’s recommendations, you may have grounds to refuse.
How does light-duty work affect your compensation?
If your light-duty position pays less than your pre-injury wages, Florida law allows workers to receive partial wage replacement benefits. Employees may be compensated for up to 80% of the difference between their pre-injury and post-injury earnings.
Navigating light-duty work restrictions after an occupational injury involves intricate legal considerations that can impact your eligibility for continued workers’ compensation benefits. Consulting a legal professional with a background in Florida workers’ compensation laws can help to better ensure your rights remain protected.