When your doctor says you can do “some work” and your employer offers you a light-duty job, it can feel like a test. Take it and risk getting hurt again, or turn it down and risk losing your checks. You shouldn’t have to guess. Philly Injury Lawyer helps injured workers figure out whether a light-duty offer is real, safe and fair, and makes sure your benefits are protected either way.
What Light Duty Means
Light duty is work your employer offers that fits within the restrictions your doctor gives you, such as no lifting over a certain weight, no ladders, or limited hours. It might be your old job with changes, or a different job altogether.
Should You Accept It?
If the job truly fits your restrictions, you usually should at least try it. In Pennsylvania, if you turn down a suitable job offer in bad faith, the insurer can ask a judge to reduce or stop your wage benefits.
But a job offer must be real and specific. You should know:
- What the duties are
- The hours and pay
- That it fits what your doctor has actually written
If any of that isn’t clear, or the job goes beyond your limits, don’t just walk away. Tell your employer in writing and call us.
What Happens to Your Checks
- Light duty at the same pay: wage benefits are usually suspended while you work, but your medical treatment continues.
- Light duty at lower pay or fewer hours: you can receive partial disability benefits, generally two-thirds of the difference between your old average weekly wage and what you earn now.
If the Job Makes Things Worse
Stop and tell your supervisor in writing, get medical care, and let your doctor document what happened. If you can’t keep doing the job because of your work injury, your total disability benefits can be restored.
Watch for Paperwork
The insurer must send you a Notice of Ability to Return to Work when it has medical information that you can do some work. Keep that notice and any job offer letter. Don’t sign a form that says you’ve “returned to work” or “fully recovered” unless it’s true and you understand it.
Got a Light-Duty Offer? Call Before You Decide
Call (215) 735-4800. It’s free to talk, and we only get paid if we win. We Win or It’s Free®.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many hours can I work on light duty?
Whatever your doctor allows. If your restrictions limit you to four hours a day, a job requiring eight isn’t suitable. Get your hours in writing from your doctor.
What if my employer has no light-duty work?
Then your total disability benefits should continue. The insurer may try to show other work is available elsewhere, but that requires more than just an opinion.
Can I be fired from a light-duty job?
You can be fired, but being fired doesn’t automatically end your benefits. It depends on why. See Can I Be Fired While on Workers’ Comp?
Pennsylvania Law in Plain English
Under the Workers’ Compensation Act, when you can do some work and your pay is lower than before your injury, you’re entitled to partial disability benefits of two-thirds of the difference, for up to 500 weeks. Refusing a job that truly fits your restrictions, in bad faith, can lead to your benefits being reduced.
