Workplace injuries can disrupt your life and career, leaving you with difficult decisions to make. One aspect to consider is whether to accept light-duty work after an injury. While generally intended to help you transition back to work, it’s crucial to understand your rights and responsibilities regarding light duty. The concept of light duty Light duty refers to temporary work assignments less physically demanding than your regular job. Employers provide light-duty work options to help injured workers stay employed while they recover. These tasks are designed to accommodate your medical restrictions. Can you refuse light duty? The short answer is yes. You can refuse light duty after an injury at work. However, the validity of your refusal depends on specific circumstances. Medical restrictions: If the offered light duty exceeds your doctor’s recommended limitations, you may decline the work. Unrelated skills: You may refuse if the given work is irrelevant to your regular job and requires skills you do not possess. Significant pay reduction: A substantial decrease in wages and benefits can be grounds for refusal. Modified work must pay at least 85% of your wages at the time of injury. Excessive commute: If the light-duty position requires a much longer commute and will have a significant toll on your body, you might have a valid reason to decline. Refusing light duty offered by your employers can affect your workers’ compensation benefits. Unjustified refusal may result in the termination of your temporary disability benefits. On the other hand, if your refusal is deemed valid, you may continue to receive benefits. Protecting your rights Before you decide to refuse a light-duty assignment, make sure you communicate with your doctor and employer. Consult your doctor to verify if the job tasks align with your medical restrictions. Discuss your concerns with your employer and seek a compromise if needed. Additionally, keep records of your conversations and medical evaluations. Deciding whether to accept light duty after a workplace injury requires careful consideration of your circumstances and legal rights. It’s critical to understand the potential implications for your benefits. If you’re unsure about your situation, it’s always best to consult with a legal professional with a background in workers’ compensation to ensure you’re making the best decision for your health and well-being. The post Can I refuse light duty after a work injury? first appeared on Kiwan & Chambers, APC.
