4 Things You Need To Know About Light Duty After Filing A Workers Compensation Claim
If you have been injured on the job, you will likely file a workers compensation claim. After your condition has been assessed by a medical professional, you may be able to return to your job with slight modifications to your schedule and tasks or your employer may offer you alternative work known as light duty. Light duty generally involves tasks such as answering phones, general office work, filing, or other tasks that do not require standing for long periods of time, heavy lifting, or stooping. What type of light duty is offered depends on your employer, your skills, and your injury. If light duty is offered by your employer, there are several things that you should know.
You May Be Required to Accept Light Duty Work to Continue Your Workers Compensation Payments
Some states require employers to offer a light duty position if there is one available. You may also be required to accept a light duty position if one is offered in order to receive your full benefit package. Often, you will be offered a light duty position at a lower wage than your previous job and the difference will be compensated by your company's insurance.
However, the regulations regarding light duty change often. For example, in California, there used to be an automatic increase in workers compensation benefits if your employer did not offer you an alternative position, but as of 2013 that regulation is no longer in effect. This is one of the reasons it is important to consult an attorney who has experience with current trends and regulations in workers compensation.
Light Duty Work Is Meant to Make a Positive Contribution to Your Company
Light duty tasks may often feel repetitive and boring. Some companies give boring or demeaning light duty tasks to discourage workers compensation claims. However, the point of light duty is to allow you to return to work in a capacity that adds worth to your company. If you feel that your task is not adding worth to the company, then you should have a frank conversation with your employer and your workers compensation attorney about other tasks that you can complete with your current limitations.
Returning to Work Can Make Your Recovery Easier
Although some injuries require extensive rest for optimum recovery, many workplace injuries actually heal faster if you return to a light activity. For example, low-intensity activation of an injured muscle can improve recovery time. Additionally, by staying involved in your workplace, you will likely feel more comfortable returning to your regular duties when you are able. You will be aware of changes that are implemented and be fully prepared to contribute to your work when you return to full duty.
Defining Light Duty Tasks Requires a Constant Relationship Between You, Your Doctor, and Your Employer
Defining light duty can be difficult. This can be because your employer does not necessarily understand the extent of your injuries, and your doctor may not understand the various tasks you regularly complete at work. It is important that you have constant communication between you, your employer, and your doctor.
If you feel like your employer is underestimating your abilities, you should talk to them about increasing your duties. It is also important to refuse to complete tasks that may exacerbate your injury. If your employer continuously asks you to complete tasks you are unable to, you should get further clarification from your doctor about exact tasks you can and cannot do.
Working on light duty for a short period of time may help you feel ready to go back to your job sooner. However, it is important to get clearance from a doctor and speak with your workers compensation lawyer before returning to your job. You can find a workers compensation attorney at a law firm like the Law Office of Leslie S. Shaw.
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