What does light duty mean in workers comp?
When used in regard to workers’ compensation law, the term ‘light duty’ has many meanings. The most common meaning of light duty refers to work that is physically or mentally less demanding than normal job duties on a temporary or permanent basis.
What happens when you get a light duty assignment?
A light duty assignment usually means a worker will be paid less than what they earned in their former position. Workers’ Compensation is relied upon to the pay the difference. Unfortunately, many employers will deny having any light duty assignments available so they do not have to pay either wages or Workers’ Compensation benefits.
What happens if there is no modified work or light duty?
If there is no modified work or light duty available, an injured worker will receive temporary disability benefits for his or her lost wages. An injured worker who is offered but refuses modified work or light duty will not receive temporary disability benefits for the time he or she is not working. 1. Why there is modified work or light duty 2.
What happens if you do not return to work on light duty?
The other reason to contact the doctor immediately is because if you truly have been given a light duty release and do not return to work, your benefits could be terminated and you could lose your job for job abandonment – this is a HUGE mess for injured workers and should be avoided if at all possible!
When used in regard to workers’ compensation law, the term ‘light duty’ has many meanings. The most common meaning of light duty refers to work that is physically or mentally less demanding than normal job duties on a temporary or permanent basis.
A light duty assignment usually means a worker will be paid less than what they earned in their former position. Workers’ Compensation is relied upon to the pay the difference. Unfortunately, many employers will deny having any light duty assignments available so they do not have to pay either wages or Workers’ Compensation benefits.
How does light duty work work in PA?
Under Pennsylvania law, if an employer has a job vacancy that can be performed by an injured employee, they must offer this job to the employee. However, employers in Pennsylvania aren’t legally required to have light-duty work available for injured workers. Instead, you may receive a notice about an available position at a charitable organization.
Can a injured worker return to light duty?
However, not every injured worker has a positive experience when they return to light-duty work. For example, in Pennsylvania, it’s legal for employers to give their injured employees “no duty” positions. In these job assignments, employees will stand or sit in a certain spot with no work to do.