If hurting yourself at work leaves you unable to do your regular job, your employer might offer you a “light duty” position. In Washington, DC, many workers find themselves asked to take these roles so they can come back to work while they heal.
But it can get confusing, especially if you’re not sure how light duty affects your workers’ compensation payments. You may wonder if you’ll still get money from workers’ comp if you’re not back at your full job. Knowing how this situation works can help you protect your rights while recovering after a workplace injury. Reach out to our experienced workers’ comp lawyer in Washington, D.C. for a free consultation today.
What is Light Duty?
Light duty work means your employer gives you different tasks because of your injury. These tasks are meant to fit what your doctor says you can safely do. Light duty jobs are usually not as hard on your body, so you might get jobs that require less lifting, shorter shifts, or work that’s less physically demanding than your regular job.
You May Be Entitled to Workers’ Comp Even While on Light Duty
You may be able to keep receiving workers’ compensation benefits even when you’re on light duty. The type and amount of benefits you receive will depend on a few different details about your wages and the type of work you’re doing after your injury. Here’s how it usually works in Washington, DC:
If Light Duty Pays Less Than Your Old Job
Returning to work in a light duty job does not have to mean you lose all benefits. Often, these positions pay less than your normal job would have because of the reduced hours or lighter responsibilities. When that happens, you may qualify for partial wage replacement. Workers’ compensation can make up some of the difference between your old wage and your new, lower paycheck.
If Light Duty Work Matches Your Pay
Sometimes, employers offer modified roles that pay the same amount as your regular job. If you are earning equal wages on light duty and you are working within the limits set by your doctor, your wage replacement checks may end.
However, workers’ compensation should still help with medical care related to your injury. If you have questions, it’s always a good idea to check with a workers’ compensation lawyer as soon as possible.
What If You Can’t Perform the Light-Duty Job Offered?
If you get offered a light-duty job but cannot actually perform the tasks because of your injury, you do not have to accept work that’s unsafe or beyond your doctor’s restrictions. Make sure your employer and the claims adjuster have all of your medical records and limitations in writing.
If light duty doesn’t line up with what your doctor says you can handle and you try it anyway, you risk further injury and possibly losing your benefits.
How a Local Workers’ Comp Lawyer Can Help With Light-Duty Disputes
When problems come up with light-duty assignments, a lawyer can step in to protect you and challenge unfair actions. Here’s what your workers’ compensation attorney can do:
Challenging Unfair Benefit Reductions
Insurance companies sometimes reduce wage benefits when a worker moves to light duty, even if that reduction isn’t correct. A DC workers’ comp lawyer knows how to review your pay records and medical details to fight these mistakes. Legal help can often make sure you keep the benefits you deserve.
Protecting Your Rights When Employers Push Improper Light Duty
Some workplaces pressure injured workers to take positions that aren’t safe or fall outside what the doctor allows. This can put your health at risk. A local Washington DC work injury lawyer can contact the employer or insurance company directly, advise you of your right not to take on duties outside your medical limits, and gather evidence to back up your limitations.
Light-duty injuries can present plenty of challenges, but you don’t need to handle these issues alone. Our team is here to help if needed. Contact our legal team today to schedule a free consultation.